Residents of Ondo town have accused local politicians of fueling the recent wave of cult-related violence and killings that have thrown the community into chaos.

 

The accusations were made during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, to address the ongoing crisis. Citizens expressed deep concern over the increasing number of cult clashes, which have claimed several lives, mostly young people, within the past three weeks.

 

Many of the aggrieved residents alleged that political figures and wealthy individuals were arming youths for selfish political gains, thus contributing to the bloodshed.

 

“These politicians are behind the crimes. They arm the youths for their political goals,” one speaker asserted.

 

 

 

Youth leader, Akintomide Akinkuolie, accused police officers of arresting innocent people, particularly at motor parks, and extorting money before releasing them.

 

In addition, Akintayo Richard, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), urged the police to seek support from lawmakers for operational tools such as patrol vehicles and motorcycles to fight crime more effectively.

 

Representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) also blamed the violence on the unregulated presence of hard drug dealers in parks. They called for the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations like parks and hotels to help monitor criminal activities.

 

In response, Commissioner Afolabi ordered a crackdown on cult groups and drug dealers operating in flashpoints such as Ondo East, Ondo West, and Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Areas.

 

“We are returning to the drawing board to ensure all issues, especially cultism and drug-related crimes, are addressed holistically,” Afolabi assured.

 

 

 

He also pledged closer collaboration with other security agencies, local hunters, and vigilante groups, while urging residents to report suspicious activity promptly.

 

Ondo West Local Government Chairman, Ayotunde Akinfolaranmi, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a timely and effective move that could significantly improve security.

 

Former House of Reps member, Joseph Akinlaja, praised the initiative, stating that it would encourage stakeholders to become more involved in securing their communities.