Police warn cultists against celebrating ‘July 7’ festival, put officers on alert

The police have warned cultists against conducting any gathering to celebrate July 7 cultism day.

July 7 is a day set aside by some cult groups in Nigeria to celebrate what they call ‘cultism day’ — when they initiate new members and engage in other violent activities usually at night.

The Lagos and Osun states police commands, in separate statements released by their spokespersons, said officers are on red alert against any unlawful gathering, and will arrest and prosecute anyone engaging in cult activities.

The police asked parents and guardians to monitor and discourage their children and wards against engaging in unlawful activities.

“In its bid to curtail cult-related activities and forestall any possible breakdown of law and order in Lagos State, the Lagos state police command has warned against any gathering, under whatever guise, in commemoration of the 7/7 Annual Celebration (Boogie-Night) of the Neo Black Movement of Africa aka Black Axe today 7th July 2021, and put its officers and men on red alert,” the Lagos police said in a statement.

“The police command, based on available and processed intelligence at its disposal, has deemed it necessary to warn the group to desist from any celebration to commemorate today 7/7/2021, and put measures in place to fortify the state against any unlawful gathering, procession, lawlessness and possible breakdown of law and order in Lagos state.”

The Osun police said: “The intelligence that availed the police command revealed that cultists are planning to mark July 7 2021 to celebrate cultism. In view of this, the commissioner of police CP Olawale Olokode, psc, warned cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to stop the plan or any of such action (s) forthwith.

“Consequently, the state police command, in collaboration with other security agents and local security outfits will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will jeopardize the peace of the state as the plan to mark 7/7 may lead to bloodletting and destruction of properties.”