By: our Reporter
The Commander of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, yesterday confirmed that some suspects have been made in connection with recent kidnapping of 16 passengers who were rescued in Akoko/Ose axis of the state.
The Security agency has also paraded 17 suspected criminals for alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, a syndicate who specialized in snatching and dismantling motorcycles.
Parading the suspects in Akure, Akogun Adeleye described the timely rescue of the 16 abducted passengers in Akoko axis of the State last week as another great achievement of the Amotekun Corps.
Akogun Adeleye who doubles as the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, expressed delight that the victims were rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their families.
He urged people to be more security conscious as a distress call from a community in Akure few days ago led to arrest of a kidnapper who had earlier abducted two residents, while Amotekun men are still trailing four gun-wielding kidnappers who escaped from the scene.
The Amotekun Boss who commended members of the public and other security agencies for assisting the corps, said no ransome was paid for the victims.
“We had a very serious kidnap issue involving about 18 people in Ose and Arimogija axis and we were also able to apprehend some of the culprits who have been identified.
“There was a joint operation involving men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, the Nigeria Police, the NSCDC and the Amotekun Corps.
“This involves an 18-passenger bus and to the glory of God, we were also able, without payment of any ransom, secure the release of 16 victims and most of their properties that were littered, were put together and delivered to them and have since, reunited with their families.
“Today, we have 17 criminals or suspected criminals and we have begun investigation to ascertain criminal offences in which they have committed.
“Findings have shown, that there has been a decline in criminal activities, especially those that have to do with neighborhood criminal activities like housebreaking, stealing among others within the state in the last one month.
“We have an unusual increase of influx of herdsmen into our communities and most of the time, it goes with kidnapping.
“Just yesterday, we got a distress call from a community in Akure, that two of their members were whisked away and within few minutes, we got there, cordoned off the area, rescued them and arrested one of the kidnappers who confessed that other four gun-wielding members have fled to the southern part of the country.
“We also have some suspected armed robbers and cultists and we have a group that specializes in dismantling stolen Okada and sell to another group resident in Osogbo.
“In collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, we were able to arrest the kingpin who took us to the receiver in Akure.
“I want to thank members of the public for feeding us with timely information and we assure, that informations given before and now will continue to be treated in the strictest confidence”, he said.
He further commended members of the public for their supports and determination to join security agencies in their quests to rid the society of criminal elements.
“This is why we say Ondo State is not a place where criminals and criminal activities can thrive. To the criminals, exit Ondo State, there is no hiding place for you here,” Adeleye said.
He enjoined members of the public to go about their lawful businesses saying the Akeredolu-led administration is determined to continue to create a conducive atmosphere for socio-economic growth of the State.
