By Tola Gbadamosi

The Ondo State Amotekun Corps has arrested seven suspects involved in a range of offences, including violations of the anti-open grazing law, burglary, car theft, and motorcycle dismantling, as part of its efforts to enforce laws and curb rising criminal activities.

At a press briefing held at the Corps’ Headquarters in Akure, the State Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, unveiled details of the arrests while parading the suspects.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially with the festive season approaching, to enhance public safety and prevent lawlessness.

Commander Adeleye disclosed that two suspects had been arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law. One incident occurred in the Northern Senatorial District, and another was reported in the Central District.

“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders,” he stated.

He recounted a particularly alarming case in the Central Senatorial District, where herders allegedly expelled a homeowner from her property, threatening her with death if she returned.

The herders reportedly occupied the home for six months, using it as a grazing and resting area for over a thousand cows. Despite multiple pleas to vacate, the homeowner was forced to abandon her property.

Acting on intelligence, Amotekun operatives launched a dawn raid, discovering cows in the woman’s sitting room and bedroom. One herder, identified as Umoru, was arrested, and several cows were seized.

“We have ensured that the house is now free from illegal occupation, and the rightful owner can return to live peacefully without fear,” Adeleye said.

The Commander also revealed that the Corps has been working with Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to reduce clashes with farmers, while enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains a top priority to protect farmers’ livelihoods.

In another development, the Commander detailed the arrest of a car theft syndicate led by a kingpin named Hassan, who used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles.

The gang reportedly parked stolen cars at clubs and recreational centres to avoid detection.

Hassan was apprehended in Ore while attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux after security guards raised the alarm.

“Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off,” Adeleye explained, advising vehicle owners to install security devices to deter theft.

Hassan reportedly admitted his ability to open any car door using his master key.

The Corps also apprehended a suspect, Rabi Waliu, known for dismantling stolen motorcycles.

Waliu’s gang allegedly attacked riders with heavy objects, stealing their motorcycles and dismantling them overnight.

Additionally, two suspects were arrested for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from cars parked at mechanical workshops.

Another suspect, Samuel, was detained for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.

Commander Adeleye attributed the success of these operations to actionable intelligence provided by the public.

“We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public,” he remarked.

He also cautioned farmers against taking the law into their own hands during conflicts with herders, urging them to report such cases to the Amotekun Corps for swift intervention.

Among the suspects paraded were Ibrahim, 25, arrested in Isua Akoko for anti-open grazing law violations; Bulude, apprehended in Ijigba, Akure, for burglary; Hassan, the car theft kingpin; Waliu, the motorcycle thief; two individuals involved in stealing vehicle parts; and Samuel, the air conditioner thief.

The Commander commended the dedication of Amotekun operatives and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He concluded by calling for continued community cooperation to combat crime, urging the public to trust and support the Amotekun Corps in its mission to maintain peace in Ondo State.