OVER 200 CULTISTS RENOUNCE THEIR MEMBERSHIP, SURRENDER ARMS IN IKORODU DIVISION. | Shakiru Seidu. "We'll sin no more", the repentant youths assured the traditional Leaders and Security Operatives. We'll facilitate laudable vocational training and empowerment schemes that will rehabilitate them before they are reintegrated back into the society, Edgar Imohimi assures.

It is no longer news that the precarious situation in which Ikorodu Division got ducked in the recent time is beginning to receive better approach, the security of lives and properties was worrisome due to the manner in which cult rivalry, kidnapping and other crimes of all sorts permeated the one's peaceful community.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi and other Royal heads from Ikorodu division convened the stake holders and the concerned citizens to sue for peace with aggrieved fraternities in the Division so as to quench the rage of violence in Ikorodu Division.

Monday, 12th of February, 2018, history was made as the secret cults members denounced their membership and vowed to turn a new leaf in Ikorodu Division. The Eiye, Ayee, Alora and Buccaneers fraternities were gathered at Ayangburen Palace, Ikorodu to affirm their decision to denounce their membership from the secret society and ready to embrace new life.

At the Palace, the repentant Cultists revealed their interest of relinquishing cultism and surrender their weapons, while Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho who anchored the programme, seized the opportunity to inform the gathering of the zeal and determination of the youths of the Division to completely jettison cultism. He added that the repentant youths had assured to desist from violence and any form of thuggery and hooliganism in Ikorodu Division.

In his remarks, Mr Olanrewaju Olabinjo, an Onyabo head appreciated the courage of the youth to sheath their swords for a rebirth of Ikorodu Division. He solicited for more prayers for the repentant youths who surrendered their Arms and assured all that various committees for capacity building will be constituted in order to combat crime in Ikorodu Division. He was so certain that the development is the beginning to the end of cult crisis in Ikorodu Division.

Shortly after this, one of the colour heads, Mr Abdulazeez Sholebo appealed passionately with the Commissioner of Police, Mr Edgar Imohimi to properly reintegrate them into the society. He pleaded with the kings and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, to assist them to secure better job so that they can make meaningful impact in the society. He welcomed any form of empowerment that will be initiated to rehabilitate them.

Thereafter, the over 250 repentant cultists surrendered all the ammunitions in their possession to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr Edgar Imohimi in the presence of His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo land, Area Commander, Area N, Ijede, ACP Ahmadu, the Comander, 174.Battalion in Odogunyan, Lieutenant Col. BC Eze, the Commander Squadron 63, Igbogbo, SP Shola Ogunwale, traditional Chiefs and others, to affirm their commitment in renouncing cultism and everything attached to it.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Edgar Imohimi gladly received their surrendered ammunitions and promised to facilitate laudable vocational training and empowerment schemes that will rehabilitate them before they are reintegrated back into the society. He was so affirmative that the history that has earlier made in other communities has repeated itself in Ikorodu Division and urged other Divisions in Lagos State to emulate such.

'Without gain saying, Ikorodu Division is set to experience the unimaginable transformation in no time.' This was stated by no other person than HRM Oba AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, who affirmed that he will give necessary support to the security operatives to achieve it's goal for the growth and development of Ikorodu Division, when speaking with Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression Magazine.

"We affirmed our decision and determination never to return to bad behavior," this was stated through the heads of various fraternities (KK, Eiye, Aiye, Buccaneers, Alora, etc). When MegaXpression Magazine quizzed some of their heads on what led them into cultism. They affirmed that land boundary issues turned them to menace in the society with the use of various weapons they were equipped with by their sponsors. They therefore pledged never to return to their horrible lifestyle again.

After all said and done, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi couldn't conceal his happiness as he anticipated positive results. Kabiyesi therefore enjoined the repentant youths to be genuine in their decision, action and in character after they've submitted their weapons.

He thanked the CP, Lagos State, Mr Edgar Imohimi, 174 Battalion, Onyabo and other security operatives for their determination to abate crime in the Division. Oba Shotobi further appealed for total cooperation and unity of purpose among all to enable them apprehend those that threatening the peace and tranquility of Ikorodu Division.

SHAKIRU SEIDU.
The Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine