In a statement on Wednesday, Ayanlade Olushola, the
command’s spokesperson, said the initiative was led by Adebowale Lawal, the
police commissioner, as part of a broader effort to curb violent crime and
flush out criminal elements.

Olushola said Lawal was joined by the area commander and
members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths, who operate under the ‘End Miscreants in
Ondo’ campaign.

The spokesperson said the suspects openly renounced their
membership of rival groups and submitted weapons during the operation.

“The commissioner of police, accompanied by the area
commander and well-meaning members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the ‘End
Miscreants in Ondo’ initiative, supervised the voluntary laying-down of arms by
repentant cultists who openly renounced their membership of various cult
groups,” the statement reads.

“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 command’s trail, many of whom were
previously documented on the command’s watchlist for their roles in
cult-related activities.

“Their decision to come forward reinforces the growing
acceptance of the command’s peace-driven approach and demonstrates the
programme’s 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.”

ARMS RECOVERED

Olushola also said a total of 17 arms and 12 rounds of
ammunition, including 9mm rounds and AA cartridges, were recovered during the
operation.

The police spokesperson said the seized weapons included
locally made guns and Beretta pistols, which she described as evidence of
“tangible progress in clearing the state of illicit firearms”.

Olushola added that Lawal reaffirmed the position of Kayode
Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, that repentant cultists who renounce
gang membership and demonstrate good conduct would be reintegrated into
society.