…..Parades 8 kidnappers, 19 others.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has scaled up its operations to ensure a peaceful yuletide season in the state as it has arrested 27 suspected criminals in the last few days.
The Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, made this known the Command’s Headquarters in Akure, while parading the suspects apprehended for various offences including murder, kidnapping, burglary and armed robbery across the state.
According to Akogun Adeleye, one 20year-old boy, Monday Akinmade was arrested in Owo for killing his friend who he alleged stole his three thousand naira.
The 20-year-old boy who allegedly killed a 65-year-old co-tenant in Owo, headquarters of the Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State.
The suspect, Friday Akinmade, allegedly hit the deceased with a plank on her head after accusing her of stealing N3,000 from his room.
Parading the suspect along with other criminals at the headquarters of the corps in Akure, the state capital, the commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that another 21-year-old suspect was arrested for attempted murder.
He said: “What the security situation has enumerated is telling us is that, as a result of the harsh economic situation we have in the country, there are more cases of housebreaking.
“A 30-year-old man who engaged in malicious damage, cultism, and attempted murder of law enforcement agents. We have a 42-year-old man who attacked Amotekun officers in a bid to cover his nefarious activity by the name of Gbenro.
“We equally have Samuel Peter, a 21-year-old man, who engaged in an attempted murder, and one Akimade Friday, who outrightly murdered and killed a 65-year-old woman. This is a 20-year-old boy.
“In the same way, we narrowed down on one Segun Owolabi, 20 years old, that engages in stealing motorcycles and robbing to dispossess rightful owners. We have a gang that specialises in burgling houses, especially when owners of such houses are not in their houses.
“We have Toba, Pelumi, Ogumade, and Oriade, whose age bracket ranges between 22 and 25. We equally have Shegwo Yusuf, who engages in malicious damage to household properties.”
The Amotekun Commander said eight kidnappers were arrested at border towns to Edo and Kogi states in the last few days while another suspect who has been terrorising residents of shagari village in Akure was apprended.
He assured residents of ondo state that Amotekun security corps was very committed to ensuring the peace currently being enjoyed in the state is sustained during and after the yuletide season.
Akogun Adeleye said, “Among those apprehended was a 30-year-old man accused of attacking law enforcement agents and a 20-year-old alleged murderer with no known connection to his victim.
“In the past fortnight, the Amotekun Corps apprehended 27 suspects connected to various crimes, including malicious damage, cultism, and murder, reflecting the agency’s commitment to tackling crime head-on.
“Anti-grazing issues, which have previously sparked tensions, were resolved amicably, with herders compensating for damages and paying government fines.”
Despite peace across all 18 local government areas, the agency acknowledged isolated cases of housebreaking, food theft, and domestic violence, attributing these partly to the current economic situation.
“With the ember period at hand, the Amotekun Corps Commander assured citizens that proactive security measures would counter potential threats.”
“Since the launch of the Amotekun Rangers, significant successes have been recorded. A recent operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers in forested areas, where Rangers now maintain a steady presence to deter criminal activity.
“We want to assure the people of Ondo State that they can go about their daily lives without fear,” said the Commander.
“Farmers can work their lands, and residents can sleep soundly, knowing that the state’s security apparatus is actively working to safeguard them, especially as the yuletide season approaches.”
“Amotekun remains committed to its role as a community-friendly, investment-friendly force, determined to provide Ondo State residents with a secure environment,” the Commander said.
