The Ogun State Police Command has initiated an amnesty program for members of various cult groups who are ready to renounce their membership, with 48 cultists having already done so.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, signaled this development in Sagamu, where weapons and ammunition surrendered by the cultists were displayed at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi.
He urged the public not to discriminate against those who have decided to reform and cautioned that anyone apprehended after the amnesty period would face criminal charges.
During the ceremony of handing over the illegal firearms to the police at the Akarigbo Palace, Alamutu emphasized that the amnesty’s purpose was to offer cultists a second chance to become productive citizens and contribute to the state’s peace.
“The olive branch extended to these cultists comes after numerous discussions. We are all too familiar with the past issues of frequent cult clashes that have led to loss of lives in Sagamu,” he stated.
“In collaboration with the government and traditional rulers, we initiated a process where cultists can renounce their affiliation and surrender any firearms without facing punitive actions.
“This aligns with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has mandated the collection of illegal firearms. Even licensed owners are encouraged to submit their weapons.
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“We implore the cultists in the state to seize this valuable chance. Many are already cognizant that cultism is futile, and should therefore surrender their arms, as those apprehended post-amnesty will face criminal charges.”
Earlier, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land expressed dissatisfaction with the cultists’ violence and disruption, prompting the community to take decisive action. The pressure was so intense that it drove some cultists out of town, although they have since shown a willingness to reform.
“We confronted them, making it clear that cultism offers no future but only the potential to destroy their lives, tarnish their family names, and thwart God’s plans for them.”
The royal father extended his gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the security forces, and the Sagamu Security Committee for their relentless efforts to secure the amnesty agreement for the ex-cultists.
