By Tola Gbadamosi

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 46 commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, for violating the restriction order placed on their activities by the state government.

The Ondo State Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, made this known while briefing journalists on its achievements in the first quarter of 2025 at the Command’s Headquarters in Akure today.

It would be recalled that the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reaffirmed the ban on Okada operations beyond 8 p.m., with immediate effect.

The decision followed a rise in crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and assault, many of which have been linked to unidentified Okada riders.

According to him, “Only those on essential duties with valid identification will be exempted,” adding that law enforcement officers have been mandated to arrest violators across the state.

He revealed that the Corps’ actions were tied to the recent ban on Okada, adding that all violators arrested were caught operating motorcycles beyond the stipulated time at night.

“We issued a final warning to the 46 individuals arrested. Only those with criminal tendencies were picked, and they have all been profiled accordingly,” he stated.

On land and chieftaincy matters, no new issues have been reported.

On labour union matters, the state remains peaceful.

On anti-grazing and farmers-herders clashes, only one incident has been reported.

On human trafficking, no cases have been recorded during the period under review. He added that, in terms of kidnapping, 13 suspects have been apprehended.

This, according to him, represents a decline in the number of suspected kidnappers arrested compared to the previous quarter.

“We assure the public that the state remains relatively safe. We are working closely with other security agencies to ensure the continued safety of lives and property.

Among those arrested are repeat offenders, including serial rapists who have been prosecuted in the past but reoffended. We have also apprehended individuals who specialise in burglary—both residential and commercial—who had previously served time in correctional centres but have resumed criminal activities.

Additionally, some individuals arrested were found supplying daily necessities to suspected kidnappers hiding in the forests.

“On law and order: 16 suspected criminals have been apprehended,” he explained.

The Amotekun Commander said the purpose of the briefing was to reassure the general public that the state remains a safe place for law-abiding citizens, despite isolated incidents.

“The majority of the scavengers are actually informants for kidnappers and gang robbers. Apart from that, they also engage in outright kidnapping themselves.

“Majority of the scavengers operating within the state have been identified as informants for kidnappers and armed robbery gangs. In some cases, they are directly involved in acts of kidnapping.

“You may recall that a few months ago, an incident occurred where scavengers transported a human being in a truck, disguising the person as cargo—specifically, as fish.

“In response to this growing threat, the state government is actively considering a total ban on scavenging activities.

“However, as emphasised by Mr Governor, a viable alternative for maintaining environmental cleanliness must first be established before implementing the ban.

“I can assure you that, in the shortest possible time, the government will take decisive action against the illicit and dangerous activities associated with scavengers,” he concluded.