Stakeholders in Owo, Ondo State, have pointed to the political class as a key factor in the recent wave of cult-related violence that resulted in several deaths.

These concerns were raised during a security summit organized by the Owo Youth Forum.

Comrade Damilare Aina, a member of the forum, criticized politicians for taking advantage of idle youths for political purposes, only to abandon them afterward.

He stressed that the summit aimed to develop strategies to restore peace and emphasized the need for ongoing engagement with stakeholders to guide and educate the youth for long-term peace.

Engineer Odunayo Emmanuel Folahanmi accused politicians of arming youths to act as political thugs and noted the absence of top political figures at the summit, aside from the deputy governor’s representative.

He called for systemic reforms and greater accountability from the political class.

Folahanmi further alleged that political interference often obstructs law enforcement efforts, with political leaders reportedly rescuing arrested cultists.

He praised the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and other traditional rulers for speaking out against cult violence.

Dr. Foluso Taiwo, representing Owo Concerned Youths, described cultism and gangsterism as serious threats to community safety and development.

He urged leaders to prioritize skill acquisition programs to keep youths engaged in productive activities and reduce crime.

Police Area Commander, Mr. Adenike Peter, highlighted the role of political interference in undermining police operations.

He encouraged parents to monitor their children’s behavior and urged the public to provide critical information to support law enforcement efforts.

The NSCDC Area Commander, Oluwatimilehin Omoyajowo, praised the summit’s organizers and emphasized the need for collaboration between parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to address social vices.

He also called for the establishment of skill acquisition centers by politicians to engage idle youths.

Dr. Yunus Anola, Chief Imam of the Government House, spoke about the history of violence in Owo, linking it to the exploitation of idle youths by politicians. He urged leaders to take an active role in addressing insecurity and called for a united effort in combating the problem.

Pastor Benjamin Olayinka, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Owo, warned politicians against using thugs for personal gain and also cautioned landowners against employing such individuals.

Mr. Tojjib Musa-Omoloja, a lecturer at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, also criticized the absence of key political leaders at the summit and called for a more sincere and collective effort in tackling insecurity.

Dr. Kola Falohun, representing the deputy governor, praised the summit for highlighting the challenges facing Owo.

He emphasized the importance of addressing youths’ grievances and creating job opportunities to prevent further violence.

He urged the public to provide useful information to security agencies and stressed the need for collective action to restore peace.

The summit underscored the urgent need to address the root causes of cultism and insecurity while calling for collective responsibility in fostering peace in Owo.