The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 25 suspected cultists and recovered a vehicle and motorcycle during a cult initiation in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said in a statement on Sunday in Akure, the state capital, that the arrested suspects are members of the Neo Black Movement group.
He explained that the arrest was made on Thursday, January 8, after the command received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen that the group was planning to initiate new members.
“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the command were mobilised and deployed using intelligence-led tactics to disrupt the planned initiation.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects, drawn from Ondo, Osun, Edo, and Lagos states, at the scene of the initiation.
“During the operation, one Toyota Highlander SUV and one unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.
“The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Jimoh said.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the swift response, professionalism, and dedication of the operatives involved.
According to him, the CP noted that the command will leave no stone unturned in its sustained fight against cultism across the state and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and support, which has significantly enhanced the command’s anti-cultism operations.
“The CP advises youths to shun all forms of cultism and emphasises that there is no gain in engaging in such acts, as they only lead to grave consequences.
“He reassures residents of Ondo State of the command’s proactive commitment to maintaining a peaceful and crime-free environment and urges members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information that will aid the police in preventing and combating crime across the state,” Jimoh said.
(NAN)
