By Tola Gbadamosi

Men of the Amotekun Rangers Unit of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have apprehended 114 persons found in the Ondo forests without a clear destination.

The arrested suspects have been sent back to their respective locations across the country.

The state Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this to The Hope Metro yesterday.

According to him; “In the last few weeks, we have been engaged in running battles with strangers infiltrating our forests in Ondo State.

“The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed that all individuals without legitimate business in the deep forests of the state should be evacuated and sent back.”

According to Adeleye, over a hundred individuals were being transported in two trucks, set to be dispersed along the forest belt of the state, starting from the Ore-End axis, including Ofosu and beyond.

“Upon profiling them, it was discovered that all but three had no knowledge of where they were being taken.

“They had no idea. Their masters simply sent them into the forest to await further directives.

” The Governor has therefore ordered their immediate return.

“Yes, there is freedom of movement in Nigeria, but it must be purposeful.

“Over a hundred young men, without any clear purpose or destination, were intercepted at various points.

“What would they become if left unchecked? Criminals.

“We have been battling kidnappers and armed robbers across the state, and we are resolute in ridding Ondo of such elements.

“If you have no legitimate reason to be in our forests, what exactly are you doing there? We urge the public not to harbour strangers of questionable background or origin.”

Commander Adeleye also called on residents to report suspicious individuals to the Amotekun Corps via 080799999989, assuring that the security outfit has intensified surveillance across the forests.

“The forests are no longer safe havens for criminals in Ondo State.

“The only way to avoid the long arm of the law is to leave,” he warned.

Officers of the Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with opinion leaders from the Hausa-Fulani community, will escort them out to ensure full compliance with the directive.

“If you are not adding value to Ondo State, do not bring us problems,” Adeleye emphasised.

 “And to criminals, let this serve as a final warning; there is no hiding place for you here. Leave.”

Speaking on the development, Mallam Bala Umaru, leader of the Hausa community in Ondo State, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for prioritising the safety of residents.

“I appreciate Mr Governor for ensuring Ondo State remains safe and for making provisions to send these individuals back safely to their places of origin.

“I also commend the Amotekun Corps for diligently carrying out their duties,” he said.