Cult Clash Fears: Heavy Police Presence in Oyo Ahead of Black Axe Founders’ Day

The Oyo State Police Command has deployed security personnel across the state ahead of the July 7 Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Black Axe cult group.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, in Ibadan, the state capital.

The annual celebration, which is marked every July 7, is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 7, 2025.

According to Osifeso, intelligence reports indicate the potential for violent reprisals and clashes among rival gangs during the event, prompting heightened security measures.

“In response to credible intelligence suggesting planned retaliatory attacks and possible widespread violence, the command has finalised the deployment of officers to strategic locations across the state,” he said.

As part of its proactive efforts, the command has also conducted awareness sessions with key stakeholders including hotel owners, lounge operators, and studio apartment managers. They were strongly cautioned against allowing their facilities to be used for gatherings linked to cult groups or activities that could breach public peace.

“Our intelligence points to possible exploitation of this event by certain groups to orchestrate violent acts, including revenge attacks on rival cults,” Osifeso added.

He urged parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and community influencers to work with the police to avert any threats to public safety.

“It is imperative that we engage young people in meaningful conversations about the dangers of cultism and the legal consequences of participating in unlawful assemblies,” he warned.