Police in Ondo State have arrested 24 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in the state.

The suspects were rounded up by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command while they were allegedly performing initiation rites into a cult group. The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday in one of the communities in the state.

According to police sources, the suspects, mostly young men, were caught with cult-related items, including machetes, charms, and other dangerous weapons. Preliminary investigation suggests they belong to a notorious cult group operating in parts of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has warned that the command will not tolerate cultism and other related crimes. He said the arrested suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

Cultism has remained a serious security challenge in many parts of Ondo State, especially around tertiary institutions and some communities. Many young people have lost their lives or ruined their futures due to cult-related violence. Parents and school authorities have repeatedly been urged to monitor their children closely.

This latest arrest is seen as a major breakthrough for security agencies in the state. Residents have welcomed the operation, with many calling for more regular patrols and intelligence gathering to rid the state of cult activities.

The police have appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that can help them tackle cultism and other crimes. They assured residents that the command remains committed to making Ondo State safer for everyone.

The 24 suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.