Amid rising concerns over the spate of cult-related violence and drug abuse, youths in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have staged a peaceful protest demanding urgent action to curb the menace.
The demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, marched through major streets of the town on Thursday, calling for an immediate end to the violence that has claimed the lives of at least 48 young people in recent months.
Leading the protest was Engr. Kayode Folayegun, President of the Ondo Kingdom Youth Forum, who decried the increasing loss of young lives and stressed the need for justice to prevail.
“We can no longer fold our arms while our youths are being murdered. There must be consequences for anyone found guilty of such heinous acts,” Folayegun stated.
He emphasised the need for a robust and functional justice system that will ensure that perpetrators of cult violence and drug-related crimes are prosecuted swiftly and decisively.
According to him, a justice-driven approach would serve as a deterrent and help restore peace in the community.
Folayegun added that the youths of Ondo town are now ready to be active stakeholders in the fight against cultism and drug abuse.
“We are committed to supporting law enforcement by identifying perpetrators and assisting in community surveillance. This is a collective battle, and we cannot allow violence to define our future,” he declared.
The protest drew attention to the community’s increasing frustration over the failure of authorities to bring perpetrators to justice, despite repeated killings and violent incidents believed to be linked to rival cult clashes and drug turf wars.
In support of the rally, Joseph Akinlaja, a prominent community leader and former two-term member of the House of Representatives, commended the youths for their courage and determination to restore peace.
“I am proud of the maturity and commitment shown by the youths today. The fight against cultism is not just for the police; it’s for all of us who believe in the future of this town,” Akinlaja said.
He urged the youths to remain steadfast in their advocacy for peace, unity, and social development.
He also advised them to resist peer pressure and avoid being lured into criminal activities under any guise.
“Make informed choices. Say no to drugs, say no to cultism, and commit yourselves to education, innovation, and progress,” he added.
The peaceful protest marks a new chapter in local efforts to tackle cultism, which has become a major source of insecurity in several parts of Ondo State.
Observers have called on the state government, law enforcement agencies, and traditional institutions to support the youths’ campaign with stronger community policing strategies, sensitisation programmes, and employment initiatives aimed at curbing the root causes of youth involvement in crime.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate