Osun Cult Killings: Peace institute urges impartial crackdown, special courts

The World Institute for Peace (WIP) has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to take decisive, impartial, and sustained action to combat cultism and cult-related killings in Osun State, outlining a comprehensive seven-point proposal to restore public safety.

In an official letter addressed to the governor and obtained by our Correspondent on Friday, the organisation expressed deep concern over the continuous loss of young lives to cult violence, warning that immediate intervention is critical to prevent further grief in communities across the state.

Signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Lamina Omotoyosi, the letter emphasized that the war against cultism must be executed without fear, favor, or compromise, regardless of a suspect’s political affiliation, wealth, or social standing.

“No individual or group should be allowed to operate above the law. The fight against cultism must be impartial, uncompromising and guided by justice,” WIP stated.

The group called for a strengthened coordination, intelligence sharing, and proactive crime prevention among the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, and the Police Anti-Cultism Unit.

It called for collaboration between the state government, the House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge to establish a special court or judicial division dedicated to prosecuting cultism and violent crimes.

WIP posited that there must be a strict warning to politicians and public officeholders to desist from sponsoring, funding, or shielding cultists, and ensuring that justice is never subverted by political or financial influence.

It also called for intensified patrols and targeted clampdowns in high-risk areas to eliminate safe havens for violent groups across streets, towns, and cities.

The group suggested a comprehensive review of existing anti-cultism laws to introduce stricter, proportionate penalties, including life imprisonment where applicable.

It advocated establishment of dedicated intervention programs featuring counseling, peace education, vocational training, and skills acquisition for individuals who genuinely renounce cultism.

WIP called for an urgent coalition meeting involving security chiefs, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to formulate measurable, time-bound action plans.

The peace institute stressed that safeguarding the lives of citizens must remain a paramount priority, calling on the Osun State government to demonstrate unwavering political will in ridding the state of violent criminal syndicates.

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