Youths in Ondo town, Ondo State, staged a peace rally to protest the alarming rise in cult-related violence, drug abuse, and insecurity in their community. The demonstration, led by the President of the Ondo Kingdom Youth Forum, Engr. Kayode Folayegun, was a direct response to a recent wave of cult clashes that have reportedly claimed 48 lives.
Speaking during the rally, Folayegun emphasized the urgent need for justice and accountability, calling on law enforcement to identify and prosecute those behind the killings. He declared that the community could no longer remain silent while its young people were being slain, insisting that justice must prevail.
Another youth leader, Mr. Olaitan Ayoola Aseyege, described the situation as devastating, stating that over 40 young people had been killed in just a few weeks. He appealed to the state government and security agencies to intervene and bring lasting peace to the area. According to Aseyege, the community has been overwhelmed by grief and fear, and urgent action is needed to prevent further bloodshed.
Addressing the gathering, community elder and former House of Representatives member Hon. Comrade Joseph Akinlaja praised the youths for their bravery and commitment to peace. He encouraged them to reject violence, stay focused on positive goals, and resist being drawn into criminal activities. Akinlaja urged the youths to channel their energy into rebuilding and safeguarding the Ondo Kingdom, stressing that peace and development must be shared priorities.
The event ended with a moment of silence in memory of the 48 individuals reportedly killed by cultists. The youths pledged to support all lawful efforts to expose those responsible and reaffirmed their resolve to restore peace, unity, and progress in the community.
