The Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps has nabbed 32 suspects in connection with recent killings and kidnapping in parts of the state, in line with the recent directive of by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to security agencies to flush out criminals terrorising the State.
The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that the suspected kidnappers were tracked down at various farm settlements and forests in the state.
Paradaing the suspects to newsmen in Akure, he said over twenty eight others arrested for other offences are currently in the Amotekun custody for interrogation, bringing the number of those paraded to 58.
The Amotekun Commander said the feat was achieved in collaboration with other security agencies, noting that the suspects kidnappers were among those perpetrating criminals activities at villages in Akure North local government area and other parts of Akoko-Owo axis of the state.
Akogun Adeleye pointed out that the Security operatives had discovered bandits were being transported onto the state from the northern parts of the country, adding that security checkpoints had been placed at various strategic locations in the state to further curb criminitalities.
He therefore urged members of the public to notify security agencies when noticing strange things or movement around them
According to Akogun Adeleye, ”with the collaborative efforts of other security agencies, we were able to smoke the kidnappers out of the bush.
“We have also noticed that, the kidnappers do come with trucks bringing food stuffs from the North in large numbers to the south which efforts have been put in place to stop such.
“The Suspects were apprehended at Ago Oyinbo, Ago Daada and Ago Sunday where kidnapping and killings by the herdsmen were rampant.
“In recent weeks, particularly in the last three weeks, there has been a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings, in Ondo State. In response, the officers and men of the Ondo State Security Network mobilized additional support and launched operations into forest reserves and other areas known for these nefarious activities.
“Over the past weeks, we have arrested 32 kidnapping suspects who are currently undergoing various stages of interrogation. In total, we are parading 58 individuals today. We want to reassure the residents that, with the government’s concerted efforts and the support of all security agencies, we are committed to flushing out criminals from both the forests and urban areas to ensure a safe community.
“Following the recent killings in the Akure North axis, officers and personnel from all security agencies, including Amotekun, have intensified patrols in the area. I am pleased to inform you that normalcy has been restored in communities such as Ago Dada, Ago Igbo, Ago Ademekun and their environs.
“We assure residents that they can safely continue their farming activities, as the government has established a Joint Task Force to stabilize remote areas of Akure North, where these criminal activities have been prevalent. Additionally, the government is working to improve road access in these areas to ensure swift responses in case of emergency.
“To reinforce our commitment, we invited the leadership of Mieti Ala, who are present here today. They have pledged to support the security agencies in identifying and removing criminal elements, ensuring that both the forests and towns remain safe. We urge the good people of Ondo State to collaborate with the government and security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence on any suspicious movements.
“Furthermore, we have observed an ongoing trend where trucks transporting foodstuffs from northern parts of the country arrive with hundreds of unidentified individuals who have no known destination or contacts.
“These individuals, upon arrival, often become a public nuisance. To address this, truck owners have been informed that the state will not tolerate more than five passengers per truckload.
“Security agencies at the borders have also been directed to turn back any vehicles carrying excessive numbers of undocumented individuals. This measure is part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state,” the Amotekun commander warned.