Lagos goes after cultists, gangsters

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni

The Lagos State Government says it has decided that there is no room for cultism in the state, adding that anyone found engaging in cultism and criminal activities will be decisively dealt with.

A statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said the government was worried by the rising cases of violent clashes in some areas of the state as a result of cultism.

Ayorinde said the government would thenceforth go tough on any cult, its members, sponsors or collaborators, as well as criminal gangs disturbing the peace of the state.

He said, “The government will not fold its arms and watch innocent citizens suffer unduly in the hands of unscrupulous elements. Henceforth, cult members and their sponsors will be treated as murderers and arsonists.”

Ayorinde stated that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had directed the Lagos State Police Command to use appropriate force to fish out and deal with any individual or group of persons involved in cultism, as well as arrest members of criminal gangs wherever they might be in the state.

“It is the wish of the present administration to improve security and protect lives and property. All criminally-minded people are hereby warned not to test the will of the government as it will be unrelenting in applying the law on anyone that indulges in illegal dredging, street fighting or threatening the safety and peaceful co-existence of Lagos residents.

“Parents and guardians are advised to keep watchful eyes on their children and the people they move with in order not to run afoul of the law,” Ayorinde stated.