The police in Osun and Ekiti have warned individuals and groups planning to celebrate ‘Cultists Day’ on July 7, to desist or be arrested and prosecuted.

The warning is contained in separate statements issued by the commands ahead of the ‘Cultists Day’ on Friday.

In Osun, police spokesperson SP Yemisi Opalola said the command would not tolerate unlawful gatherings and warned hoteliers, event centres and landlords not to allow their facilities to be used for cult-related activities.

She said owners of such facilities could also be prosecuted.

“The intelligence that availed the police command revealed that cultists are planning to mark July 7, 2023 to celebrate cultism. Also, intelligence further revealed that some unscrupulous elements from other states are entering Osun state for the same purpose,” the police statement said.

It added, “In view of this, the command warns cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to jettison the plan or any such action forthwith, as the command is earnestly monitoring their activities.”

The command said it was collaborating with other security agents and Civilian JTF to stop unlawful assembly “that will endanger the peaceful atmosphere of the state.”

According to the statement, police commissioner Kehinde Longe had directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical units to be at alert and nip in the bud any act capable of breaching peace in the state.

The police chief advised parents and guardians to caution their wards to be law-abiding and desist from taking part in the unlawful gathering.

He urged citizens to be security-conscious, vigilant, and cooperate with security agents by giving credible and timely information to the police directly or through phone numbers 08039537995, 08123823981, 08075872433 and 08067788119.

Similarly, the police commissioner in Ekiti, Dare Ogundare, also gave a warning to cultists and the public in a statement by the command spokesman, DSP Sunday Abutu.

According to him, the command will not allow any gatherings of cultists who have perfected plans to initiate new members and engage in violent supremacy battle with rival cults.

“Consequently, the command warns cultists and other criminal elements in the state to shun such illegal and unhealthy celebration or any of such plans or actions. That could cause unnecessary apprehension or alter the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the state,” said Mr Ogundare.

He also directed area commanders, divisional police officers, heads of intelligence and tactical units to be on alert and deploy adequate personnel to identified flash points.

The commissioner warned hoteliers, recreation and event centres, as well as landlords against allowing cult members or hoodlums to use their properties.

Mr Ogundare assured the public that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

He advised the public report any suspicious activity and persons around them to the police or through telephone number: 08062335577.

(NAN)