Ondo Leaders Seek Increased Police Protection Over Cult Clashes
Amid frequent killings by rival cult groups in Akure metropolis, community leaders in Akure, under the auspices of Akure Division Renewal Group has called on the police authorities to immediately beef up security around the people of the ancient city.
The leaders who condemned the killings, described it as “barbaric, evil and inhuman”.
In a statement issued at the end of their meeting in Akure, the state capital, the group appealed to the youths concerned not to turn Akure to a battle ground, irrespective of the reasons for their actions.
The statement, signed by the President of the group, Chief Luyi Rotimi, also cautioned police against indiscriminate arrest of innocent youths in the town.
According to them, the state government needs to urgently surmount the issue of cultism in the state through empowerment and human development programmes.
” The Akure Division Renewal Group therefore calls on government and security agencies in the state to come to the rescue of the peace loving people of Akure as the primary purpose of government anywhere in the world is the protection of lives and property of the citizens.
“The group will not hesitate to call for the instant sack of the leadership of any security agency that fails to help the government carry out this primary and all-important responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“The police should as a matter of urgency, stop the indiscriminate arrest of innocent youths in the town, while the youths should also assist the police by giving them information as to how these criminals can be apprehended.
“The Group urges government to engage these youths so that they can channel their energy towards productive ventures.
“The government should note the suffering of the people, especially civil servants and pensioners who can engage these jobless youths if their salaries and pensions are paid promptly.
