Men of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, paraded 67 suspected criminals on Monday, including three jailbirds who have been terrorizing the state’s residents.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the state Commander of Amotekun, disclosed that the 67 suspected criminals were apprehended at various locations across the state within the last two weeks.
According to him, the three jailbirds, identified as Taiwo Adeola, Juwon Olanrewaju, and Olajide Olayemi, face charges related to kidnapping and robbery.
Adeleye, the Amotekun Commander, stated, “The 67 criminals were arrested within the last two weeks as part of the rounding up of operation ember months programs that we embarked on. A significant number of them were suspected kidnappers, while others were identified by their victims.
“Some of them were apprehended with various types of weapons, involving housebreaking, suspected robbery, and murder. Out of these 67, three could be regarded as jailbirds. One of them escaped from Benin, where he was facing charges related to kidnapping and robbery.
“Another one claimed to be running away from fellow kidnappers because he no longer wanted to be associated with them. We arrested him during what he termed his last operation in kidnapping.
“He informed us that he is a member of a seven-team kidnap group terrorizing the Uso/Emure/Owo axis. These individuals represent a cross-section of criminals troubling the peace of the state.
“The main reason for parading them is to send a signal to criminals that Ondo State will not tolerate them, and the government is determined to ensure that the peace and stability of the state are not disturbed by them.
“Once you engage in criminal activities, be assured that you will be arrested. I advise them to leave. I want to reassure the good people of the state that Amotekun, along with other security agencies like the military, NSCDC, and police, remains resolute in our commitment to making Ondo State safe for socio-economic activities.
“We have observed a worrisome group recently – young men in their hundreds claiming to be hunters with dogs entering the nooks and crannies of the state.
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“On the directives of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we returned them to their base up north, escorting them far from the reach of Ondo State. We have done this about three or four times. We want them to know that anyone entering Ondo State must have a destination, and we must know where they are coming from, not just stating that they are coming from up north to enter our forestry reserves and hunt.
“Adeleye emphasized, “We are not opposed to hunting, but we have rules and regulations guiding anyone entering our reserves. Thus, we have sent them back to their state on the governor’s directives.”