Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, has arrested 97 suspects in connection with kidnapping, robbery, burglary and violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law. The arrests were made across the 18 local government areas of the state within the last two weeks.
State Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said Sunday that the suspects were picked up during coordinated raids targeting criminal hideouts in Ikare Akoko,Akure, Ilu-Abo, Kajola, Akure North, Mure and Oja-Mokan.
According to him, some of the suspects are confirmed members of armed robbery and kidnapping gangs that have been terrorizing residents, while others acted as informants and suppliers to kidnappers operating in the forests.
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“We were able to break a syndicate that has been operating in Ondo State. The stolen vehicles and some of the principal suspects have been arrested,” Adeleye stated. He added that a number of the suspects were arrested inside the forest with personal utensils, bedding, mortars, pestles and cooking items, suggesting they were living there illegally.
The Amotekun commander raised concern over a new trend involving women and young people of different ages moving into interior forests with household goods. He said those interrogated claimed they were fleeing security pressure in the North and were invited by certain groups to destabilize the previously peaceful southern part of the state.
“One suspect told us he invited only two people to work for him, but those two people brought 51 others into an area they had never been to before. This is highly suspicious,” he said.
Adeleye confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be prosecuted. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in and around forest areas to security agencies.
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