Police Arrest 19 Suspects Over Cult Clash in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command announced on Tuesday that 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violent cult clashes that occurred in Owo, the administrative headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
As reported, chaos erupted on Monday in the town following a shootout between rival cult groups, resulting in the deaths of four people.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olutokunbo Afolabi, stated that he had visited Owo to assess the situation firsthand. During a press briefing in Akure, the state capital, CP Afolabi confirmed that a comprehensive investigation was underway to determine the root cause of the violence.
While the situation in Owo had returned to normal, the Commissioner emphasized the need for residents to adhere to the curfew imposed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Since taking office on December 24, 2024, CP Afolabi pledged to prioritize professionalism, discipline, and improved welfare for his officers. He also expressed concern about the rise in illegal firearms circulating in the state, underscoring his commitment to arresting those in possession of unauthorized weapons and recovering them.
Furthermore, Afolabi revealed plans to establish a special team to monitor police operations on the roads to prevent potential abuses and ensure proper conduct of officers interacting with road users.
