By Oladele Eniola
Badagry (Lagos State) – The Badagry Local Government Council on Thursday granted amnesty to 139 cultists who renounced their involvement in various cult activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event took place at the council premises with various cult groups surrendering their arms and ammunition.
While receiving the repentant cultists, Mr Olusegun Onilude, the council Chairman, promised to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into the civil society.
He added that they would be empowered with relevant tools to engage in productive ventures.
“The menace of cultism and cult-related activities have left the higher institutions of learning to the streets, towns and villages; and this has impacted negatively on the society.
“When this administration came into power, there were a lot of gang-related wars and crimes urgently begging to be curbed before things get out of control.
“Nevertheless, we are going to empower them with several tools as we believe that this will help them to become relevant in the society and prevent such future recurrences.”
Onilude said that the administration, in partnership with the Police and community leaders, would continue to work towards effective and formidable security in the community.
“We are determined to make our society safe and as a result, we are partnering with community leaders, vigilante groups and the Police, to guard our community and keep its environs safe,” he said.
One of the repentant cultists, Mr Babalola Oladipupo, who spoke on behalf of others, decried the fact that the political class had always taken advantage of their vulnerability.
He expressed gratitude to the council chairman and the Badagry Divisional Police Officer for their roles in helping them renounce their activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two AK47 guns, 12 locally made guns, one single barrel gun and machetes were retrieved from the repentant cultists. (NAN)