Ondo Amotekun arrests 32 suspected kidnappers, other criminals

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, said no fewer than 32 suspected kidnappers and other criminals have been arrested across various parts of the state, dismissing reports of bandits invading Akure and other communities.

The Commander of the Amotekun corps in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this during the parade of the suspects, said 17 of the suspects were linked to kidnapping-related offences.

According to the report, 12 other suspects were arrested for breaches of law and order, while three were apprehended for violating the state’s anti-grazing law.

Adeleye said the arrests of the suspects indicate an increase in the number of kidnap-related cases recorded recently, but assured residents that the security outfit is firmly on top of the situation.

He revealed that among the suspects were three men who allegedly attempted to kill their Fulani employer after roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani.

The suspects, identified as Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25)

In Oba Akoko, Adeleye said several kidnapping incidents had been recorded around the Akungba Akoko axis, adding that Amotekun operatives acted on intelligence and laid an ambush at a location believed by the suspects to be a ransom exchange point.

He said, “At the scene, we arrested Pius (23) and John (35), who were assigned to collect ransom. Other members of the gang are still at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.”

The Commander further disclosed that Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29, were arrested around Ile Oluji and Ondo town in connection with various criminal activities.

He disclosed that Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu, aged between 22 and 35, and Abba Aliu (29) were also arrested in the Akin Camp and Odigbo axis, saying that one of the suspects had earlier been arrested for kidnapping but escaped from lawful custody before being rearrested.

He, however, said, “The victims involved in the incident were successfully rescued, and the suspects are now in custody.”

In the Agbogbo area of Akure, Amotekun operatives arrested three suspects found with items whose ownership they could not reasonably explain, while four others were arrested at the Akure garage for conspiracy, assault and breach of public peace.

On criminal activities in Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, Adeleye said Abdulahi, Kada and Useni were arrested for conspiracy, stealing and violations of the anti-grazing law, while one Friday (43) was arrested for breaking and stealing.

He added that Yayah Abba was apprehended for stealing motorcycles and water pumps in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar.

Adeleye, however, reassured residents that Ondo State remains peaceful, stressing that criminal activities are steadily declining due to sustained security operations.

Reacting to reports of bandits infiltrating the state, the Amotekun commander dismissed the claims as false, but said, “In recent times, we have observed an influx of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country.

“In collaboration with other security agencies, we have continued to return those without genuine reasons for coming into the state to their states of origin,”

He clarified a viral social media video alleging that bandits had entered Akure, explaining that 42 persons were discovered hiding inside a bitumen truck loaded with bitumen, and not bandits.

“Investigations and profiling of these individuals have commenced. Let me state clearly that bandits did not enter Akure,” Adeleye concluded.