The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists and recovered weapons, charms and other items believed to be linked to cult activities during a coordinated operation in Akoko area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad following an intelligence-driven raid carried out in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities.
According to the police, the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 16 after credible intelligence revealed the presence and activities of suspected cult members within the affected communities.
The suspects were identified as Damilare Kayode, 30; Adejoro Godwin, 30; Adedapo Ogunro, 36; Chisom Okechukwu, 21; Ademulegun Imisi, 26; and Odugunle Bukola, 21.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis of the state.
The police spokesperson disclosed that a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of five battle axes, a jackknife, several charms and items suspected to be associated with cult groups.
Other exhibits recovered included boots, yellow singlets and face caps believed to be used by members of the suspected cult groups.
Jimoh stated that the recovered items had been taken into custody and would serve as exhibits as investigations continue.
He added that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command described the operation as a major breakthrough in its sustained campaign against cultism and other violent crimes across the state, noting that intelligence obtained from the raid was being analysed to identify additional suspects and unravel the extent of the group’s activities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, reiterating the command’s commitment to combating cultism and other criminal activities.
Ohagwu assured residents that the police would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations, strategic raids and visibility policing to prevent criminal elements from establishing footholds in any part of the state.
He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with credible and timely information to aid efforts aimed at maintaining peace and public safety.