48 renounce cultism, surrender arms in Ogun

At least 48 suspected cultists have renounced cultism and surrendered their arms in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Some of the weapons submitted include one pump action gun, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two English pistols, four locally made pistols, and 35 cartridges.

The development followed the ongoing amnesty period announced by the police command to renounce membership and lay down arms.

Our correspondent reports that Sagamu has turned into a hotbed for cult clashes and killings involving more than two dozen youths in the last one year.

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There have also been pockets of killings in Abeokuta, Ifo, Ijebu-Ode, and other parts of the state.

Speaking during the handing over of these illegal firearms to the police held at the Akarigbo Palace, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, said police had given the suspects a second chance to become better citizens and begin to contribute towards peaceful coexistence in the state

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.’’

The Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said “Not satisfied with the killings and disturbance of these cultists in the town, the community re-strategised and moved against them. The heat was so much that some of them were even forced to leave the town but they continued to beg sending emissaries that they were ready to turn a new leaf.