By Tola Gbadamosi

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In its continued efforts to eliminate criminal activities in Ondo State, the South West Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended and paraded 24 suspects involved in various offences.

The Ondo State Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.

 The suspects were paraded at the Command’s Headquarters in Akure on Tuesday.

He stated that the suspects were arrested for offences, which include  kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy and cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, malicious damage, theft of public property, breaking and entering, stealing, destruction of CCTV cameras, and burglary.

“We paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable. Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.

“Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders. Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed.

“There are no significant problems related to terrorism, land, or chieftaincy disputes. Students activities are ongoing without crisis, and there are no current labor union issues.”

“Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare, which recorded one fatality and four victims being taken into the bush, the Corps responded immediately in collaboration with other security agencies.

“We apprehended two suspects, one of whom is  here and we are confident that we will secure the release of the remaining victims,” Adeleye added.

He said exhibits recovered from the suspects, including motorcycles, fans, household equipment, foodstuffs, and other items, would be returned to their rightful owners.

The suspects, he added, will be profiled, and those who need to go to court will be taken to court, while the corps will explore other means to ensure justice for the rightful owners of the stolen items.

One of the kidnapped victims rescued by the Corps, Bisola Olisa, a 32-year-old student from Imero, Ose Local Government in Ondo State, narrated her ordeal.

“I was coming from Ikare, heading to Ekiti. On getting to Akungba, I boarded a vehicle from the garage; there were seven of us in the vehicle.

At a certain spot, we started hearing gunshots from herdsmen. So, they stopped us immediately. A passenger beside me was shot dead, and they marched us into the bush. Some passengers were injured.

“The kidnappers were many on the road, but as we moved into the bush, four of them led us, all carrying guns. We trekked throughout the night until the next morning when we reached a mountain where we sat down.

“They asked us to lie down, and the three of us obeyed for about 30 minutes. I realized they were no longer talking. I peeped to check if they were sleeping but saw only one of them; the other gang members were gone.

“I told them that I needed to defecate and escaped. On reaching the main road, I saw the Amotekun Corps, and they rescued me and took me to their main station,” she stated.

Also speaking, the Onimeri of Imeri Kingdom in Ose Local Government Area of the state, Oba Shina Babatunde Agbadero Adeniran, thanked the state government for supporting the Amotekun Corps, which has enabled them to fight crime across the state.

“I want to plead with the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration to continue supporting the Corps, particularly in the area of weapons, as the criminals have more sophisticated weapons than we can imagine.

“Currently, we give all glory to God that criminality is being checked and, soon, I believe it will be totally checked.

“My joy knows no bounds when they handed her over to me. I had to come here last night when I heard that one of my children was rescued. I am very grateful,” he said.