Police in Osun warn against celebrating Cultism Day

By Adeleye Kunle

Police in Osun warned cultists planning to celebrate “Aug. 8 Cultism Day” in Osogbo on Monday that they would face the wrath of the law if they did not abandon their plans.

SP Yemisi Opalola, the state police spokesperson, warned that the police would not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that could endanger the state’s peace.

“According to an intelligence report available to the police, cultists plan to celebrate cultism on August 8.”

“Police hereby issue a warning to cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to halt the plan or any such action (s) immediately.”

“The command will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly, in collaboration with other security agents and the civilian Joint Task Force.”

“Such gatherings or assemblies are capable of endangering the peaceful atmosphere of the state because they may result in bloodletting and property destruction,” Opalola stated.

She went on to say that Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Units had been put on high alert to thwart any act that could jeopardize the state’s peace.

“Parents and guardians are also asked to caution their wards to be law-abiding and to desist from any act or unlawful gathering or assembly before, during and beyond Aug. 8,’’ she also stated.

She added that police would prosecute defaulters and warned hoteliers, recreation/event centres, landlords and landladies not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult-related activity or meeting.

Opalola advised Osun residents to go about their legitimate business because the police had taken the necessary security precautions to prevent a breakdown in law and order.

She urged residents to be security conscious and to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful, credible, and timely information about cultists and other criminals’ movements or activities.