By: Our Reporter
The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested 38 suspects including a man in military camouflage nabbed across the state for various crimes, including kidnapping, killing of farmers, rape, vandalism and illegal immigration.
The Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), had on Monday this week strongly condemned the gruesome killing of three innocent farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ala Igbatoro, Akure north local government in Ondo State.
The group described the incident as heartbreaking, barbaric, and unacceptable, lamenting the rising insecurity that continues to threaten the peace and livelihood of rural dwellers in Akure and its environs. He noted that the murder of these hardworking citizens is a painful reminder that many farming communities remain unsafe despite repeated assurances from security agencies.
He called on all security operatives, particularly the Amotekun Corps, to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, rather than engaging in internal wrangling and factional disputes, and urged the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, and the Member representing Akure North in the State House of Assembly, to urgently intervene and ensure that justice is served. He stressed that decisive action must be taken to prevent a recurrence and to reassure citizens that their safety remains a top government priority.
However parading the suspects to newsmen in Akure, the Security outfit Commander Àkogun Adeleye Adetunji, said the arrests marked another milestone in the outfit’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and sustain peace and order.
He explained that the 34 of the suspects were apprehended for breaches of law and order, while two others were arrested over kidnapping cases and another two for rape-related offences.
The Commander also revealed the arrest of a suspected spy, one Promise Etuk who had been aiding kidnappers in the Ago dada and Ademekun village in Akure North area by revealing Amotekun movements to criminals while pretending to be doing farming work.
Another suspect was apprehended in military camouflage around where three farmers were killed at the weekend in Akure North area alongside the spy.
Akogun Adeleye disclosed that the man would be handed over to the military authorities for investigation and proper actions.
The AMOTEKUN Boss paraded 22 illegal immigrants from Benin Republic and Togo who were apprehended for security concerns and they would be handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation and deportation.
He emphasized that all zonal commanders and divisional officers of Amotekun Corps had been mandated to ensure continuous safety of lives and property across the state.
He said, “In the last few weeks, our operatives have worked tirelessly to ensure Ondo remains one of the safest states in the country, thanks to the synergy among security agencies,” he stated.
“In addition, 22 illegal immigrants from Benin Republic and Togo were apprehended after failing to provide valid reasons for their presence in Nigeria. They will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and possible repatriation.
Reading out names of some suspects, the Commander identified one Aderemi (35) arrested for murder and kidnapping, a 45-year-old man, Promise Etuk, alleged to be a kidnapper’s spy, and Victor, who was arrested at Ofosu for murder. Others, including Muazu, Sani, Monshood, James, and Seidu, were apprehended for vandalizing government property.
He disclosed that Amotekun recently busted a syndicate responsible for vandalizing government machinery, including caterpillar engines, tires, and other heavy-duty equipment.
He reaffirmed that Ondo State remains safe for law-abiding residents but unsafe for criminals. “Head or tail, Amotekun will catch you. The best advice is to stay away from crimes,” he warned.
Meanwhile, during interrogation, one of the suspects, identified as Promise Etuk, claimed ignorance of the offence for which he was arrested.
Etuk, who described himself as a patent medicine dealer, said he had no shop because he lacked the funds to open one. According to him, he had gone to a farm with someone when the incident leading to his arrest occurred.
The Commander assured residents that the Corps would continue to uphold its mandate of protecting lives and property while maintaining zero tolerance for crimes in the state.
