Posted by On Thursday, the police in Osun and Ekiti commands issued warnings to anyone preparing to celebrate ‘Cultists Day’ on July 7 to desist or face arrest and prosecution.
According to sources, the warning is contained in different statements released by police commanders before of the ‘cultists day’ on Friday.
In Osun, police spokesman SP Yemisi Opalola said the command would not tolerate illegal meetings and advised hoteliers, event centers, and landlords not to allow cult-related events to take place in their facilities.
Owners of such institutions, she claims, face prosecution as well.
“Intelligence provided to the police command revealed that cultists intend to celebrate cultism on July 7, 2023.”
“In addition, intelligence has revealed that some unscrupulous elements from other states are entering Osun state for the same reason.”
“In light of this, the command advises cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to abandon the plan or any such action immediately, as the command is closely monitoring their activities.”
According to Opalola, the Command, in coordination with other security agents and Civilian JTF, would not tolerate such unlawful assembly “that will endanger the state’s peaceful atmosphere.”
She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Kehinde Longe, has asked Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Units to be on high alert and to prevent any conduct that could jeopardize the state’s tranquility.
The CP encouraged parents and guardians to advise their children to follow the law and refrain from participating in the illegal assembly.
He asked individuals to be security conscious, vigilant, and cooperative with security agents by providing credible and timely information to the police directly or through the following phone numbers: 08039537995, 08123823981, 08075872433, and 08067788119.
In the same vein, Dare Ogundare, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, issued a caution to cults in the state to stay away.
Ogundare stated in a statement published by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, that anyone apprehended will face the full wrath of the law.
According to him, any gatherings of cultists who have completed plans to initiate new members and participate in violent supremacy battles with opposing cult members will be prohibited.
“As a result, the Command cautions cultists and other criminal elements in the State to avoid such illegal and unhealthy celebrations, as well as any such plans or actions.”
“This could create unnecessary anxiety or disrupt the state’s current peaceful atmosphere.”
Ogundare also asked Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Intelligence and Tactical Unit Heads to be on high alert and to deploy sufficient men to identified flash points.
The CP also advised hoteliers, recreation and event centers, and landlords not to let cult members or hoodlums use their properties.
He also urged parents to advise their children to be law-abiding citizens, and urged individuals to be security mindful and go about their legitimate business.
Ogundare assured that necessary security measures had been put in place to protect the safety of law-abiding individuals’ lives and property.
He asked the public to report any suspicious activities or people surrounding them to the police or by calling 08062335577.