Police on Red Alert Ahead of July 7 Cult Anniversary in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has deployed personnel across key areas of the state ahead of the annual Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Aiye Confraternity or Black Axe.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, the command said the move was part of proactive measures to prevent potential clashes and maintain public order.

The Founders’ Day, which is marked annually on July 7, has in previous years raised security concerns due to the likelihood of rival cult clashes and retaliatory attacks.

“Our intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts have yielded vital information suggesting that rival gangs may engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during this event,” Osifeso stated.

To preempt any form of violence, the police said officers would be strategically positioned across hotspots and vulnerable locations in Ibadan and other parts of the state.

The command also revealed that it had held sensitisation meetings with owners of hotels, lounges, and short-let apartments, warning them against allowing their premises to be used for cult-related gatherings.

“Our intelligence suggests that the movement may use the occasion to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including reprisals against rival cult groups,” Osifeso added.

He further called on parents, guardians, religious leaders, and community influencers to assist law enforcement by discouraging youth involvement in cultism and ensuring they stay away from suspicious gatherings.

“It is crucial to engage our youth in conversations about the dangers of cultism and the severe consequences of participating in violent or unlawful gatherings,” he advised.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to report any suspicious movement or activities during the period.