Ondo Amotekun arrests 97 for kidnapping, robbery, and grazing law violations

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has apprehended 97 individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal activities across the state. The arrests, made over the past two weeks, target alleged perpetrators of kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and violations of the state's anti-open grazing law.

“

I have a total of 97 suspects arrested across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State within the last 14 days. Some were arrested directly in connection with kidnapping-related cases. Others were arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law of Ondo State. Some were arrested for burglary and robbery, while others were apprehended in connection with vehicle hijacking and theft.

Akogun Adeleye, the state commander of the Amotekun Corps, stated that the suspects were apprehended during raids conducted throughout the state's 18 local government areas. Among those arrested are individuals identified as members of armed robbery and kidnapping gangs operating in areas such as Ikare Akoko, Akure, and Ilu-Abo. "I have a total of 97 suspects arrested across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State within the last 14 days," Adeleye reported.

He detailed that some suspects were directly linked to kidnapping cases, while others were arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law. The operations also led to arrests for burglary, robbery, and vehicle hijacking. "We were able to break a syndicate that has been operating in Ondo State. The stolen vehicles and some of the principal suspects have been arrested," Adeleye added.

“

We were able to break a syndicate that has been operating in Ondo State. The stolen vehicles and some of the principal suspects have been arrested.

The commander also highlighted a concerning new trend observed by the corps: women of various ages traveling into interior forests with household utensils and personal belongings. These individuals, upon interrogation, admitted to fleeing security pressures in the North and being invited by members of northern groups to destabilize the peace in the southern part of the state. "This is highly suspicious," the commander remarked, noting one instance where an individual who invited two workers ended up with 51 more people arriving with various goods.

“

I want to bring to the attention of the general public a new trend in criminality that we have observed. It involves women of different ages travelling in vehicles into the interior forests with household utensils, mortars and pestles, bedding, cooking utensils, and personal belongings.

Adeleye emphasized that some suspects confessed to being informants and suppliers to kidnappers, confirming their membership in kidnapping groups. The Amotekun Corps is continuing its efforts to maintain peace and security within the state.

“

This is highly suspicious.