Osun: Police uncover planned cult protest, vow zero tolerance for violence

The Osun state police command has uncovered purported plan by a group of cultist to stage a protest in the state.

The cultists had been on rampage since the killing of their leader, Oyeyemi Olalekan popularly known as “Emir.”

In a statement issued Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, advised the cult groups to shelve the planned protest, warning that it will not tolerate any disruption of public peace in the state.

The police revealed that intelligence reports uncovered a planned demonstration by a faceless group calling itself the “Congress of Cultists,” allegedly affiliated with the Neo-Black Movement (Black Axe).

“The Command is using this medium to warn any individual or group planning to cause chaos, disturb public peace, or engage in criminality to rethink their actions.

“The police and other security agencies will not stand by and allow miscreants to disrupt the state’s peaceful atmosphere or destroy lives and property. Our operatives will respond decisively and appropriately to any action capable of threatening peace and security,” police said.

The command advised individuals or groups with grievances to seek lawful avenues for resolution, warning against violence, self-help, or reprisal attacks.

On the recent violence that followed the killing of Emir, the police confirmed that a discreet investigation into a recent killing has yielded useful leads.

“While some identified suspects remain at large, active efforts are underway to track them down and bring them to justice,” the statement added.

The police appealed to members of the public with relevant information about the killing to come forward, promising that all intelligence provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.

“The Osun State Police Command will not relent until all individuals involved in the incident are arrested and brought to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.

CP Zungura called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to counsel youths against participating in actions capable of destabilizing the state.

The command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security agency, reiterating the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and public order.