About 48 cultists in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have renounced their membership of various cult groups.
The cultists also dropped one pump action gun, four double barrel guns, seven single barrel guns, two English pistols, four locally made pistols and 35 cartridges to show their commitment to shun cultism and violence.
The repentant cultists renounced their membership of the unlawful groups at the palace of the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, on Tuesday.
It will be recalled that insecurity had held the state to ransom with Sagamu LGA taking a lead in cult related clashes leading to loss of lives and properties.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Alamutu, said that the essence of the amnesty programme was to give a second chance to the cultists.
He said, “The olive branch we are extending to these cultists is a product of several engagements. We all know the problem we have had in the past with frequent cult clashes causing loss of lives in Sagamu.
“And working with the government and traditional rulers, we kicked off this process whereby the cultists will come forward, denounce their membership and submit any firearms with them without any punitive measures.
“This is in line with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who has ordered that the illicit firearms should be mopped up, even those who have their licences are encouraged to return theirs too.
“We urged the cultists in the state to embrace this golden opportunity, many of them already are aware that cultism does not pay, so they should come and lay down their weapons because anyone caught when this window is closed will be treated as a common criminal.”
Also commenting on the cult clashes, the Akarigbo explained that the amnesty followed several engagements and discussions during which many of the cultists regretted their nefarious acts and promised to turn a new leaf.
Oba Ajayi said, “Not satisfied with the killings and disturbance of these cultists in the town, the community restrategised and moved against them. The heat was so much that some of them were even forced to leave the town but they have continued to beg, sending emissaries that they are ready to turn a new leaf.
“We have engaged them and told them point-blank that cultism is not the way forward, that they will only ruin their life, ruin their family name and the plans of God for their lives.”
Present at the event were the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), the Director of Security Service, Mrs Folashade Adekaiyaja represented by Sikiru Kolawole, Deputy Director, Operations and Intelligence, Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu, Odofin of Soyindo, Sagamu, Oba Gisanrin Lasisi, among others