By: Bola Ojuola, Akure.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, code-named Amotekun, has arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued two farmers abducted in the Odigbo area of the state.
The Commander of Amotekun in the state, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, told Journalists yesterday at the parade of the suspects that they were able to rescue the farmers in a joint operation with other sister agencies, especially the Department of State Services.
According to him, ‘we had this isolated case of kidnapping in Okeigbo and nine of the Special Squad of Amotekun moved immediately. We received the distress call. We equally contacted sister security agencies, especially the Department of State Security Services, for joint tracking.
“We commenced action until about 72 hours after, when His Excellency, the Governor, called me personally and he said that we must at all costs rescue these victims despite all we have been doing.
“I’m glad to let you know that several kilometers away from the scene of the crime, we successfully secured the release of the two of them that were kidnapped in Okeigbo. Not without a lot of trouble, because the kidnappers equally deceived us on the geolocation with the beach. I think every day they are coming up with new strategies, and that is why we equally developed non-kinetic measures in addition to intelligence-driven bush combing that we did.
“And this is what led to identifying them in the depth of the forest, the reserve forest, several kilometers away from the scene. We were able to rescue a life without a problem, the man. But unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lady was exhausted, and we couldn’t revive her because we met her dead or unconscious.
“I’m equally glad to let you know that we’ve been able to track one of them far away in Oyo State, and we are making arrangements with sister security agencies whom our men are working with to bring these suspects to face the full wrath of the law.
Adeleye said some of the suspects paraded include a group that specializes in kidnapping and rustling cattle from Fulani herdsmen in Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu, and Omotosho, all in Odigbo Local Government.
“After very decisive actions, we were able to arrest the main culprits who, in collaboration with some at large, also stole these cows in three different locations; we have them here. We have those that bought these cows from him. He has ready markets across the state where he sends the cows for sale at very ridiculous prices.
“They say, cows are sold under 100,000 at times. We have them here. This goes far to show that the best criminals can do is to blockade the Ondo State.
“These cow rustlers and their collaborators are on parade, we have two people, Akinlolu and Akintimi that are being charged for illegal possession of firearms. Also we have Jamiu who specializes in vandalizing houses that are under construction.
“He removes all electrical cables, removes all plumbing installation, and a lot of things in the houses. He’s a 30-year-old man.
“And we have one Olajide who steals iron rods in the name of joining the group of people that they are picking iron materials across. And there is also one Lomi Dada who had the effrontery to approach the palace in Odigbo and stole the iron rod with which the Kabiesi uses to enter its premises, in addition to so many other negative things.
“Also in the same Ore axis, we were able to recover a stolen motorcycle that was actually stolen in Akure and taken to Ore to sell. But the eagle eye of the operatives were able to pin them down. And the Ojo and Opayemi involved, age 25 and 29, in this stealing pre had equally been apprehended.
“On law and order, breaking of law and order, we have nine suspects. Kidnapping and cattle rustling we have five. And today, the lucky victim that we rescue is here with us, and will be able to interact with the press.
“And only yesterday night, we were equally able to rescue two men in the Ala-Dada axis that were being kidnapped. But they were able to reach out to a distressed line on time. And within a few minutes, our men in the Amotekun Rangers, down side in the forest, got rid of it and were able to secure the release of the two men. They are equally here with us. So what I’m saying is Ondo State is ready to receive investors. And people can go thyeir normal duties without fear again.
“I want to let you know that our border patrols are still very effective. The Amotekun Rangers are domiciled in the forest and in the metropolitan area. Unlike previous weeks, it’s extremely difficult for housebreaking activities to thrive again. Because our men are manning every major junction within the metropolis to ensure that there is peace and safety of lives and property.
