The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun corps, has arrested 17 suspects in connection with various crimes committed across the state within the last two weeks.
The Corps also recorded major breakthroughs in the Akoko axis of Ondo North Senatorial District, while similar arrests were made in the Central Senatorial District.
Of the 17 suspects paraded, eight were arrested for breach of public peace, three for kidnapping, and six for armed robbery and rape.
The Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this at the Amotekun headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, during the parade of the suspects.
The Commander noted that five kidnap attempts had been foiled during the period, with all victims rescued without the payment of ransom.
Of the 17 suspects paraded, eight were arrested for breach of public peace, three for kidnapping, and six for armed robbery and rape.
Adeleye said, “In the last 24 hours, we successfully rescued a kidnapped chief and his motorcyclist near Akure,” Adeleye stated. “Our distress line was contacted, and with the support of local hunters, we pursued the kidnappers through the night and rescued both victims unhurt and without any ransom.”
The Amotekun commander reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and criminality. “We are saying no to kidnap-for-ransom in Ondo State. We want farmers to go back to their farms, and herders to graze without conflict. The era of herders destroying farmlands must end,” he said.
Adeleye called for continued support from residents, hunters, and vigilante groups, emphasizing the importance of timely information to aid security operations.
He also assured that all tips would be handled with confidentiality.
“Our forests are being patrolled by Amotekun Rangers daily. Ondo State is safe, and we remain committed, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property,” he affirmed.
He concluded by noting that while victims may interact with the media, the suspects will undergo standard investigation and prosecution procedures.
Speaking, the Asakin community Monarch, expressed gratitude on behalf of his people, stating that they would greatly appreciate it if the government could establish a security outpost in their area.
He added that such a move would go a long way in reducing insecurity within the community.
In an interview, one of the victims who was going to the farm and was attacked by six armed men that took him into the forest saying, “I was going to my farm no where I saw six men two were armed and they took me in to the forest.
“We got to a point that they couldn’t move was told that Amotekun have surrounded the forest and they could no longer move. That was how we were all rescued from the hands of the Kidnappers.”
Also speaking, a 17- year-old girl who was unfortunately raped by four kidnappers, appreciated the Ondo state government for setting up Amotekun corps to rescue her and othera from the Kidnappers’ den.
