Police Issue Stern Warning to Cultists Against July 7/7 Activities in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to suspected cultists and other criminal elements against engaging in any unlawful activities associated with the annual July 7 (7/7) cult celebration across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Sunday, the Command said intelligence reports indicated that some cult groups were planning gatherings, processions, initiations and other activities to mark the annual event, which could threaten public peace, endanger lives and disrupt lawful activities.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, ordered the immediate deployment of massive security personnel and operational assets to identified flashpoints and other strategic locations across the state.
According to the statement, the deployment includes operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), State Intelligence Department, Mobile Police Force, as well as personnel from various Area Commands and Divisions.
The officers have been directed to embark on intensive visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven raids to prevent any breach of public peace.
The Command stressed that it would not tolerate any unlawful gathering, display of cult insignia, brandishing of weapons, violent procession or any act capable of causing fear or panic among law-abiding residents, warning that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The police also advised parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against associating with unlawful groups or participating in any activity linked to the proposed celebration.
Similarly, proprietors of hotels, lounges, event centres, bars and recreational facilities were urged not to allow their premises to be used for cult-related gatherings, warning that anyone found aiding or harbouring criminal elements would face prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police further appealed to community leaders, youth organisations, transport unions, school authorities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
While assuring residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property, the Commissioner urged the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear, assuring them that the Command remained fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any attempt by criminal elements to undermine the prevailing peace in the state.
