Ondo Residents Accuse Politicians of Fueling Cult Violence as Police Vow Crackdown
Stakeholders urge crackdown on armed youths, drug peddling as Police Commissioner vows aggressive response to crisis.
Residents of Ondo town have blamed local politicians and influential figures for the recent surge in cult-related violence, which has claimed several lives and disrupted daily life across the community.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, convened by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, in response to the wave of killings and unrest linked to cult clashes that have rocked the area in recent weeks.
Angry residents alleged that some politicians were arming young people to serve their selfish political interests, leading to a deadly escalation of violence in Ondo East, Ondo West, and Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo local government areas.
“These politicians are behind the crimes. They arm the youths for their political goals,” one participant said during the meeting.
A youth leader, Akintomide Akinkuolie, also accused the police of arbitrarily arresting innocent residents, particularly in motor parks, and demanding bribes before releasing them. He called for a more professional and transparent approach to law enforcement.
The **Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Chairman, Akintayo Richard, urged the police to seek support from local lawmakers to procure essential security equipment such as patrol vehicles and motorcycles, to boost their capacity in combating crime.
Members of the **National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)** attributed the violence to the unchecked sale of hard drugs in parks, calling for the installation of **CCTV cameras in parks, hotels, and strategic hotspots** around the town.
In response, CP Afolabi directed an immediate clampdown on cult groups and drug trafficking networks, while promising intensified collaboration with local security outfits, hunters, and vigilante groups. He assured residents that the police would take decisive steps to restore peace.
“We are going back to the drawing board,” he said. “The issues of cult activities and drug peddling will be holistically addressed.”
Ayotunde Akinfolaranmi**, Chairman of Ondo West Local Government Area, described the meeting as a “fantastic initiative,” noting that it would significantly help tackle the ongoing security crisis.
Former House of Representatives member, Joseph Akinlaja, also commended the move, saying it would mobilize all stakeholders to play active roles in restoring safety to their communities.
