Following the killing of young men by persons suspected to be cultists in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed security agencies in the state to rid Sagamu and its environs of cultists and cult-related activities.
Abiodun said the directive became imperative in the wake of “renewed clashes among rival cult gangs in the town at the weekend, raising tension and panic among residents of the town.”
While stating that security agents are already on ground in the “troubled town” to restore normalcy, Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said he “regretted the avoidable loss of innocent lives and wanton destruction of properties by the hoodlums.”
The governor hinted that the police and sister security agencies have been given a marching order “to deal ruthlessly and decisively with those disturbing the peace of the town.”
Abiodun reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for acts of brigandage and lawlessness, warning those responsible for this current crisis that they would find themselves to blame.
“As a responsible and responsive government, we are very saddened by the resurgence of activities of criminal elements under different outlawed groups, raising unnecessary tension in the sleepy town of Sagamu and its environs.
“Let these urchins rest assured that the state will be too hot for them to operate as we are reevaluating the security architecture for greater surveillance and tactical operation,” Abiodun said.
He maintained that the new security approach would be implemented in collaboration with traditional institutions, community and religious leaders, youth groups, and other critical stakeholders.
Abiodun appealed to the people to provide adequate and useful information to security agents for prompt response to prevent future occurrences.
Newsmen reported that many lives have been lost in the current Sagamu cult clash.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, was in Sagamu on Monday morning to assess the situation. So far, seven suspects have been arrested, according to the police.