As part of efforts to enforce the anti-open grazing law and address rising crime in Ondo State, the Amotekun Corps has arrested seven suspects linked to various offences, including farmers-herders clashes, burglary, car theft, and motorcycle dismantling.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the Corps’ Headquarters in Akure, the State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the suspects had been destroying means of people’s livelihood.
Adeleye also urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety.
Highlighting recent cases, the Commander stated that two individuals were apprehended for infringing on the anti-open grazing law, with one incident in the Northern Senatorial District and another in the Central District.
“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders,” he noted.
In a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, herders allegedly drove a homeowner out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.
According to the Commander, the herders occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing and resting ground for over one thousand cows.
Despite multiple appeals to vacate the premises, the herders refused to leave, forcing the homeowner to abandon her property.
Acting on credible intelligence, Amotekun operatives conducted a dawn raid, finding cows grazing and resting in the woman’s sitting room and bedroom. One herder, identified as Umoru, was arrested, and several cows were confiscated.
“We have ensured that the house is now free from illegal occupation, and the rightful owner can return to live peacefully without fear,” the Commander assured.
On a broader note, the Amotekun Corps has been engaging the Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to prevent further clashes with farmers.
However, enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains a priority as the Corps intensifies efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Turning to other cases, the Commander detailed the activities of a car theft syndicate dismantled by the Corps.
The group, led by a kingpin named Hassan, used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles. Their modus operandi involved parking stolen cars at clubs or recreational centres to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Hassan was arrested after attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux in Ore.
“Security guards raised the alarm, leading to a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives. Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off.
The Commander urged vehicle owners to install security devices on their cars, especially during the festive season, to deter theft. He revealed that Hassan admitted to being able to open any car door with his master key.
In addition to car theft, the Corps arrested a suspect, Rabi Waliu, who specialises in dismantling stolen motorcycles.
“Waliu’s gang reportedly attacks motorcycle riders with heavy objects, dispossessing them of their bikes before dismantling them overnight.
“Two other suspects were apprehended for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from parked cars, particularly at mechanical workshops. Another suspect, Samuel, was arrested for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.
The Commander praised the role of actionable intelligence in the success of these operations. “We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for farmers to refrain from taking the law into their own hands in the event of conflicts with herders. “Rather than resort to violence, farmers should report such cases to the Amotekun Corps for swift intervention,” the Commander advised.
Among those paraded were Ibrahim, 25, arrested in Isua Akoko for violating the anti-open grazing law; Bulude, apprehended in Ijigba, Akure, for burglary; and Hassan, the notorious car theft kingpin.
The parade also included Waliu, the motorcycle thief; two suspects involved in stealing vehicle parts; and Samuel, who stole air conditioners.
The Commander expressed gratitude to the operatives of the Amotekun Corps for their dedication and assured residents of the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He reiterated the importance of community collaboration in combating crime and urged the public to trust and support the Amotekun Corps in its mission to maintain peace in Ondo State.
