The Nigeria Police Force has labelled most young residents in the Sagamu area of Ogun State as cultists, urging the state commissioner of police, Abiodun Alamutu, to swing into action.

Peoples Gazette had earlier on Monday, reported that the police in the state confirmed the arrest of nine suspected cultists following the killing of eight persons over the weekend in Sagamu as rival cult groups clashed.

Reacting to the incident, the Force public relations officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on his X handle on Monday, said politicians know what needs to be done, adding that necessary steps need to be taken to address the cultists’ incessant deadly activities in Sagamu. 

He urged the community to meet with the police and vigilante groups in the area to find a way of curbing the menace while advising against compromise.

Mr Adejobi said, “We will discuss this with the CP and take the necessary steps. In Sagamu, almost every young one is a cultist. Okada riders, artisans, etc. are into cultism, even more than students, and I think the whole town and Remoland in general should take action on it.

“I think the community should rise up to it. They should have an urgent meeting with the heads of all the quarters in Sagamu with the police and vigilante group to address this matter. Sagamites know and understand what I am saying here. I worked in Sagamu for almost two years.

“Sagamu case goes beyond the mere anti-cultism squad. The elders know how to handle them. The politicians know what to do. I was in their midst in Sagamu between 2006 and 2008. But no single cult clash before I left in 2008. I worked them with the late Akarigbo, oba Michael Sonariwo and others.

“I think the CP Ogun should look inward and take action on this point you have just raised. I will engage the CP on this. Whoever is dealing with cultists and criminals must not compromise. That person must stand firm, and operate against all odds,” he advised.

Authorities in the local government have, therefore, declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew on commercial motorcycles and tricycles over their alleged role in helping the perpetrators escape after their criminal act.