The Ogun Government is set to implement a law that will pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught participating in cult activities in the state and surrounding areas.
Governor Dapo Abiodun conveyed this information during a gathering with the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, held at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu, Ogun.
Abiodun conveyed his astonishment at the reckless loss of lives and disruption of peace in Sagamu and its surrounding areas.
He cautioned that the government would not idly stand by while dishonest individuals wreak havoc in any region of the state.
He expressed his sympathy for the upright and law-abiding residents of Sagamu, as well as the aforementioned paramount ruler and all those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones.
“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we bring any person directly, indirectly or remotely responsible for these occurrences to book.”
”I have discussed with the Attorney General perhaps it is our disposition that allows for these occurrences of heinous crimes.”
“It is within my powers as the governor of this state to pronounce the death penalty on people and we are going to ensure that we enact that because when people appreciate and understand the consequences of their behaviours, perhaps they will begin to have a rethink,” he said.
Abiodun emphasized that he had personally summoned the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service (DSS), the Commander of the Civil Defence, and the AMOTEKUN Commander to relocate their operations to Sagamu for this specific purpose.
“We will rely on our traditional rulers because they are the closest to the grassroots, for all the intelligence support because these people are not spirits. They live within us, they are tenants in our houses.”
“The last time I came here, I said any house where we arrest anybody connected to either cultism or kidnapping, we will demolish.”
“I am now pronouncing that we will no longer refer to these people as cultists or any other name. We are pronouncing them as murderers and we will mete out punishments that are deserving to murderers,” he warned.
He affirmed his government’s dedication to the advancement and prosperity of the state, vowing not to permit anyone to hinder its progress.
Oba Ajayi expressed his dismay at the constant loss of lives and property in the town, emphasizing that true development could not take place in an environment plagued by criminal activities.
He called for the establishment of mobile police and military formations in the area to ensure the proper maintenance of law and order.