Peace Deal Ends Cult Violence in Ondo Communities
The Ondo State Police Command has successfully mediated a historic peace agreement between rival cult groups that were previously responsible for violent clashes in Ondo City. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, the initiative resulted in cult members voluntarily surrendering their weapons and renouncing their violent lifestyles.
Weapons Recovery and Community Collaboration
During the disarmament exercise held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the police recovered 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols. The operation marked a significant achievement in reducing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the state.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olusola, the police command spokesperson, confirmed that the initiative formed part of strategic operations aimed at curbing violent crime and restoring calm to communities that had suffered repeated cult-related attacks. The Commissioner of Police personally supervised the voluntary laying-down of arms while being accompanied by the Area Commander and members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the "End Miscreants in Ondo" initiative.
From Fugitives to Reformers
Many of those who surrendered had been on the police watchlist for their involvement in cult activities. Several repentant cultists expressed profound relief at finally stepping away from their former lifestyles. Some revealed that fear of arrest had previously forced them to flee the state, but the initiative provided a safe platform for their return and reintegration into society.
The police also mediated between two rival cult camps that had been responsible for violent clashes earlier in the year, which tragically claimed eight lives. This mediation culminated in both camps embracing one another, representing a major step toward sustainable reconciliation and an end to recurring cycles of reprisal attacks.
Commissioner Lawal appreciated the efforts of the Ekimogun Youths, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, for their fatherly role and support that contributed to the initiative's success.
To ensure proper rehabilitation, the Commissioner directed that all individuals who renounced cultism be enrolled in structured counselling and mentorship programmes. He reaffirmed that the police would continue encouraging other cultists still in hiding to surrender their arms while warning that those who persist in criminality would face arrest.
