By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command have reassured it’s commitment to restore lasting peace and eliminating cult-related activities in the state through a robust and proactive intelligence network.

In press release by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade and made available to The Hope, the force also reassured the good people of Ondo State of their safety and security.

“Following the recent cult clashes in Ondo Town that resulted in loss of lives and left some others injured, the Ondo State Police Command wishes to update the public on the developments so far and to reassure the good people of Ondo State of their safety and security.

“In the wake of this unfortunate incident,which preliminary investigations have linked to known cult groups, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), MNIPS, immediately directed the deployment of five tactical teams.

“The teams include intelligence operatives and other operational assets. These include the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), to support and complement the efforts of the four divisional police headquarters in Ondo City and the Arca Command.

“In a coordinated, intelligence-led raid personally supervised by the Commissioner of Police, 46 suspected cultists, some with confirmed ties to various cult groups, were arrested.

“The operation, which spanned from 0400hrs on 27th May to the late hours of 28th May 2025, also fed to the recovery of several cult-related insignia, arms, and ammunition suspected to have been used in the recent attacks,” the press release reads.

This is an ongoing operation, the Command remains committed to restoring lasting peace and eliminating cuIt-related activities in Ondo and the state generally through a robust and proactive intelligence network.

“Those arrested will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“In light of this, the Command urges all law-abiding citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are doing everything possible to sustain the recent security gains and maintain peace across the state.”