Police: We’ve arrested 19 suspects over Owo cult clash

Wilfred Afolabi, Ondo commissioner of police, says operatives have arrested 19 suspects in connection with the cult clash in Owo LGA of the state.

The clash, which reportedly claimed four lives, prompted the state’s governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to impose a dawn-to-dusk curfew in Owo town on Monday.

Afolabi spoke in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday during a press briefing at the police headquarters after a visit to the scene of the crime for an on-the-spot assessment.

He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend “other miscreants” involved in the incident, adding that those in custody will face prosecution.

The police commissioner also noted that peace has been restored in the affected areas, including Eyin Ogbe, Iselu, Ijebu Owo, and the palace area, among others.

“So far, 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crisis. Investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the incident,” he said.

“Life is precious, and we will make sure that justice is dispensed over the Owo matter. There is a proliferation of firearms in the hands of people who aren’t supposed to be in possession of them.

“And that’s why we are experiencing clashes here and there. But we will work assiduously to make sure that such people are dispossessed of the firearms so that the state can be made safe and conducive for people to live.”

Afolabi warned criminals and miscreants to stay away from Ondo state, while stressing the command’s commitment to eradicating all forms of crime and criminality.

“For the period that I will be here, there will be zero tolerance for indiscipline,” he added.

“When you go to solicit help from a traditional ruler to influence me in doing posting, I consider it an act of indiscipline, and such won’t be tolerated. Also, laziness and a lackadaisical attitude towards work won’t be accepted.”

He outlined his core agenda, which includes professionalism, investigation, intelligence gathering, administration, and respect for human rights.

Afolabi also pledged to adopt a community safety partnership approach by involving the public in crime prevention strategies.

“I am going to give professionalism much attention, and there will be zero tolerance for indiscipline,” he said.

“There will be a peace safety partnership with members of the public, a forum where both the poor and the rich can meet on a quarterly basis to discuss security issues affecting their various communities.”