Olawale Olokode, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, has cautioned cultists and unscrupulous elements in the state to abandon preparations to celebrate cultism.
This comes as Olokode claimed that intelligence at the command’s disposal suggested that planning were in full swing to mark Monday, August 8, as Cultism Day.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokeswoman, Yemisi Opalola, Olokode cautioned that the police command and other security agencies in the state would not accept any unlawful gathering or assembly that would jeopardize the state’s peaceful atmosphere.
The police chief, who indicated that he had issued marching instructions to all police formations in the state to be on high alert and to prevent any conduct that could jeopardize the state’s tranquility, adding that the supposed celebration could result in bloodshed and property devastation.
“As a result, the state police command, in collaboration with other security agents and the Civilian JTF, will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that endangers the peaceful atmosphere of the state, particularly during this electioneering period, as the plan to mark 8/8 may result in bloodletting and property destruction.”
“As a result, the Commissioner of Police has issued marching orders to Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical units to be on high alert and to prevent any conduct that could jeopardize the state’s tranquility.”
“Also, hoteliers, recreation/event centers, and landlords/landladies are reminded by this notification not to allow their facilities to be utilized for any cult related activities/meetings, as owners of such facilities are subject for prosecution,” according to the statement.
While warning that anyone discovered in violation of the warning will be detained and prosecuted, the CP asked parents and guardians to advise their children to be law-abiding and refrain from any act of unlawful gathering and assembly before, during, and after the stated date.
Olokode, who urged the people of the state to go about their normal enterprises, told them that the command had taken the necessary security precautions to prevent a breakdown in law and order.
“Finally, citizens are urged to be security conscious and vigilant, to cooperate and collaborate with security agents by providing useful, credible, and timely information, and to report any suspicious movement or activities of cultists and other criminals through the following numbers: 08039537995, 08123823981, and 08075872433,” the statement concluded.
