The Ondo State Police Command has brokered a peace deal as rival cult groups notorious for violent clashes in Ondo city agreed to a truce and surrendered their weapons under a disarmament initiative led by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olusola, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 said the development formed part of a strategic operation aimed at curbing violent crime and restoring calm in communities that had witnessed repeated cult-related attacks. According to the statement, those who surrendered had been on the Commands watchlist over their roles in cult-related activities. Olusola disclosed that some of the repentant cultists expressed relief at stepping away from the lifestyle, explaining that fear of arrest had forced them to flee the state until the initiative provided a safe platform to return and reintegrate. During the exercise, the Police recovered 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols, marking a significant step towards reducing the proliferation of illegal firearms. The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, earlier today led a strategic peace-building operation in Ondo City as part of the Commands proactive policing strategy aimed at flushing out miscreants and ensuring that the state remains free from violent crimes and criminality. This initiative reflects the Commands renewed commitment to strengthening community safety through inclusive and preventive approaches, the statement read. "Building on this commitment, the Commissioner of Policeaccompanied by the Area Commander and well-meaning members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the End Miscreants in Ondo initiativesupervised the voluntary laying-down of arms by repentant cultists who openly renounced their membership of various cult groups. This collaborative engagement underscores the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing long-standing security concerns. "Significantly, those who surrendered included known faces and individuals who had long been on the Commands trail, many of whom were previously documented on the Commands watchlist for their roles in cult-related activities. "Their decision to come forward reinforces the growing acceptance of the Commands peace-driven approach and demonstrates the programmes effectiveness in dismantling entrenched cult networks. "In furtherance of these peace-building efforts, the Command also successfully mediated between two rival cult groups/camps, who had long been at loggerheads and were believed to be responsible for the violent clashes earlier in the year that tragically claimed eight lives. "This mediation, which culminated in both camps embracing one another, represents a major step toward sustainable reconciliation and an end to recurring cycles of reprisal attacks. "The impact of the initiative was further highlighted by the testimonies of some repentant cultists, who expressed deep relief and satisfaction at finally being free from the burden of cultism. "Several revealed that the fear of arrest by the Command had previously forced them to flee the state, but they now feel confident to return and reintegrate into society. Their willingness to work closely with the Police to promote peace reflects a growing trust in law enforcement and renewed hope for community healing. "To reinforce this progress, the Commissioner of Police appreciated the Ekimogun Youths and the initiators of the programme for their role in fostering dialogue and stability. "He further appreciated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as well as the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, for their fatherly role, guidance, and support which contributed immensely to the success of the initiative and its eventual fruition. "He assured them of the Commands maximum cooperation and ongoing collaboration, emphasizing that the Police will intensify efforts to encourage other cultists still in hiding to surrender their arms. "He further urged the youth population to embrace peace, reiterating the Commands resolve to apprehend any individuals who choose to persist in criminality. "As part of the days achievements, a total of 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunitionincluding 9mm rounds and AA cartridgeswere submitted. These recovered arms, comprising various grades of locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols, further demonstrate the tangible progress being made in ridding the state of illegal firearms. "Aligning with the vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Commissioner reaffirmed that all cultists willing to repent, lay down their arms, renounce their membership of cult groups, and demonstrate good conduct will be welcomed back into society. To ensure proper rehabilitation and reintegration, he directed that all individuals who renounced be enrolled in structured counselling and mentorship programmes. The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to building a safer and more peaceful state through sustained community engagement, strategic partnerships, and robust, people-centered policing.
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