Osun police warn against planned cult protest

Osun State police have issued a stark warning to anyone considering joining a protest that authorities say is being organised by a shadowy faction calling itself the “Congress of Cultists”. In a statement released on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Zungura, linked the group to the Neo‑Black Movement, also known as Black Axe, and warned that any attempt to turn the demonstration into a flashpoint for violence would be met with decisive action.

Police intelligence and the notice of protest

The command said its intelligence units intercepted a notice of protest purportedly issued by the “Congress of Cultists”. The notice, according to the police, was the trigger for the warning. While the statement did not disclose the exact content of the notice, it made clear that the police became aware of it through “intelligence available to the Command”. This suggests that the security agencies are monitoring communications that could be used to mobilise youths for unrest.

By naming the Neo‑Black Movement, the police are signalling a broader concern about the influence of cult‑related organisations that have, in recent years, been linked to violent incidents across the country. The reference to Black Axe, a name that resonates with law‑enforcement agencies nationwide, underscores the seriousness with which the Osun command is treating the threat.

Potential for disruption and the police response

The statement warned that individuals planning to “cause chaos, disturb public peace or engage in criminal activities” during the protest should reconsider. It framed the protest as a possible conduit for miscreants to exploit a public gathering for illicit ends. The command stressed that “our operatives will respond decisively and appropriately to any action capable of threatening the peace and security of the State”. This language leaves little doubt that the police are prepared to deploy force if the demonstration turns violent.

In addition to a direct police response, the command highlighted the role of other security agencies, indicating a coordinated approach. By stating that “the police and other security agencies would not allow individuals described as miscreants to exploit the situation”, the command is signalling a united front among law‑enforcement bodies to prevent any escalation.

Appeal for lawful grievance redress

Beyond the immediate threat of a protest, the police urged citizens with grievances to pursue lawful channels. The statement warned against “violence, self‑help or reprisal attacks”, urging groups to resolve disputes through established legal mechanisms. This call reflects a broader strategy to undercut the appeal of cult groups that often present themselves as alternative avenues for addressing perceived injustices.

By positioning lawful redress as the preferred route, the police are also reinforcing the legitimacy of state institutions. In a region where distrust of law‑enforcement can be high, such messaging aims to rebuild confidence and deter youths from seeking extra‑legal solutions that could draw them into violent confrontations.

Ongoing investigation into a recent killing

While the protest warning dominated headlines, the command also disclosed a “thorough and discreet investigation” into a recent killing in Osun State. The police said the probe had yielded useful leads, but that some suspects remained at large. The admission that the investigation is ongoing and that suspects are still at large adds a layer of urgency to the police’s broader security concerns.

The command appealed directly to the public for information, promising confidentiality for any tips. This outreach underscores the police’s reliance on community cooperation to solve violent crimes, a tactic that has become increasingly common in Nigerian policing strategies where community intelligence can be pivotal in tracking down perpetrators.

Community mobilisation and leadership outreach

Commissioner Ibrahim Zungura called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious figures to persuade youths to stay away from activities that could destabilise the state. By targeting these societal pillars, the police are seeking to harness the influence of trusted local authorities to counter the lure of cult affiliations.

This outreach reflects a recognition that security cannot be achieved through force alone. In many parts of Nigeria, traditional and religious leaders wield significant moral authority, and their endorsement of peaceful conduct can be a powerful deterrent against participation in unlawful gatherings.

Public guidance and vigilance

The statement urged residents to remain calm, law‑abiding and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security agency. This call for vigilance is a standard component of police communication during periods of heightened tension, aiming to create a community‑wide net of observation that can pre‑empt potential threats.

By emphasizing confidentiality for informants, the police are attempting to reassure citizens that coming forward will not expose them to retaliation. Such assurances are crucial in contexts where fear of retribution can silence witnesses and hamper investigations.

Implications for Osun’s security landscape

The police warning against the “Congress of Cultists” protest highlights a growing intersection between cult‑related movements and public demonstrations in Nigeria. By linking the group to the Neo‑Black Movement, the command is situating the threat within a broader continental pattern of youth‑led, clandestine organisations that exploit socio‑economic grievances to recruit members.

For Osun State, the combination of a potential protest, an ongoing homicide investigation, and a proactive community outreach strategy suggests that security officials are adopting a multi‑pronged approach. They are prepared to use force if necessary, while simultaneously courting community leaders and the public to undermine the appeal of unlawful mobilisation.

As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of this approach will hinge on the police’s ability to balance decisive action with community trust. The warning serves as both a deterrent to would‑be participants and a reminder that the state remains vigilant against any attempts to destabilise the peace that Osun’s residents have worked hard to maintain.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Daily Post Nigeria; dailypost.ng; Global1.News (20 September 2026).

By Sarah Okafor, Staff Writer