Police warn cultists against cultism day celebration in Osun

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, has sent message of warning to cultists and unscrupulous elements in the state to stop plans to celebrate cultism.

The commissioner revealed that intelligence at the hand availed that there were plans to mark Monday, August 8, as Cultism Day.

The spokesperson of the police command, Yemisi Opalola, has via a signed statement, on behalf of the commissioner Olokode sent message of warning that the police command and other security agencies in the state would not give room for any unlawful gathering or assembly that will endanger the peacefulness of the state.

The police boss, who stated that he had given marching orders to police formations within the state to be on alert and nip in the bud any act capable of truncating the peace of the state, added that the alleged celebration may lead to bloodletting and destruction of properties.

“Consequently, the state police command, in collaboration with other security agents and the Civilian JTF will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will endanger the peaceful atmosphere of the state, especially during this electioneering period as the plan to mark 8/8 may lead to bloodletting and destruction of properties.

“Therefore, the Commissioner of Police has given marching orders to the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical units to be at alert and nip in the bud any act capable of truncating the peace of the state.

“Also, hoteliers, recreation/event centers and landlords/landladies are by this announcement warned not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult related activities/meetings, as owners of such facilities are liable for prosecution,” the statement read.

While warning that any individual found in contravention of the warning would be arrested and prosecuted, the CP advised parents and guardians to caution their wards to be law-abiding and desist from any act or unlawful gathering and assembly before, during, and beyond the said date.

Olokode, who advised the people of the state to go about their legitimate businesses, assured that the command has taken necessary security measures to forestall any likely breakdown of law and order.

“Finally, the citizens are urged to be security conscious, vigilant, co-operate and collaborate with the security agents by giving useful, credible, and timely information and report any suspicious movement or activities of cultists and other criminals through these numbers: 08039537995, 08123823981 and 08075872433,” the statement concluded.