Governor Dapo Abiodun has condemned in strong terms the rise in the spate of killings and dismembering of human beings for ritual purposes.
Abiodun expressed his worries over the involvement of young persons in the dastardly act, the governor also vowed to deal decisively with anyone involved in this heinous crime in accordance with the relevant laws.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the governor noted that Ogun has been known over the years for being at the vanguard of ‘Omoluabi’ ethos, wondering when the decline in moral uprightness became the norm.
“We won’t be identified by this notoriety. We have emplaced security measures in schools and all the villages, hamlets, and towns to ensure zero-tolerance for ritualists. We will trail them, apprehend them, investigate them and make them serve as examples for those harbouring such sinister routes to wealth acquisition”, the governor was quoted as saying.
According to the governor, the state had recently made parents sign an undertaking to make them partly answerable for their wards’ vices and we are serious about stemming the tide of indiscipline in our state generally.
Abiodun added that Ogun has always been defined by integrity, hard work, service, valour, and diligence, saying all hands must be on deck to arrest the moral decadence, particularly, among the youths who are deceived that there is a shortcut to success.
He further noted that Ogun that has been at the forefront of excellence in all human endeavours should not be coloured with undisciplined youths whose avarice is jaw-dropping.
Abiodun urged religious leaders to intensify their efforts towards delivering sermons on moral rebirth.
The governor also urged parents and guardians to ensure they inculcate the right attitude into their wards, and always be a good moral compass to their children.
He, however, warned that anybody caught engaging in ritual killings and other crimes will be made to face the wrath of the law.