Hundreds of concerned youths took to the streets of Ondo Kingdom in a bold, peaceful rally to protest the escalating wave of cult-related killings, drug abuse, and insecurity threatening the peace and future of their community.
The protest, sparked by recent brutal cult clashes that have reportedly claimed over 40 young lives in recent weeks, was led by Engr. Kayode Folayegun, President of the Ondo Kingdom Youth Forum.
Addressing the crowd, Folayegun called for immediate action and justice for the slain youths.
“We can no longer fold our arms while our fellow young people are being murdered in cold blood. There must be consequences for these heinous crimes,” he declared.
Another youth leader, Mr. Olaitan Ayoola Aseyege, painted a grim picture of the situation, warning that if urgent intervention does not come, more lives may be lost.
“What we’re witnessing is heartbreaking. Our youths are being hunted down and executed. This carnage must stop,” he said, appealing directly to the government and security agencies for swift and decisive action.
Adding his voice to the rally, respected community elder and former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Comrade Joseph Iranla Akinlaja, praised the youths for their bravery and commitment to peace.
He urged them to resist the lure of crime, saying: “Peace and progress must be our collective pursuit. Every young person here has a role to play in building a better, safer community. Cultism, land grabbing, and senseless killings must be rejected completely.”
Akinlaja also warned against political manipulation, encouraging the youth to focus on development-driven engagement rather than being used as pawns in violent schemes.
The rally ended with a solemn moment of silence and tribute for the 48 victims reportedly killed in the recent wave of cult violence.
The youths pledged to remain united, expose perpetrators, and partner with authorities to restore sanity and security in Ondo Kingdom.
