Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurating 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, promising to give priority attention to the security of residents of Oyo State
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has revealed that the influx of unknown persons into the state has contributed to the recent increase of insecurity in some parts of the state.
While raising alarm over the development, Commander of Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, stated the forested parts of the state and border communities were being inhabited by strange individuals.
According to him, the recent surge in killings and kidnappings, among other crimes, in the state can be attributed to a situation that he described as troubling.
The Amotekun commander disclosed this while parading no fewer than 20 suspected criminals who were nabbed for various crimes across the 18 local council areas of the state.
Within the last three weeks, the state has experienced a series of security breaches, with five persons killed by suspected herders while about 15 people have been kidnapped.
Despite the development, Adeleye assured that the security agency under his watch remained committed to enhancing the security of the state.
He said: “Regarding the recent kidnapping incidents in Akure North, particularly around the Oke-Oge, airport axis, the Amotekun Corps acted swiftly, blocking all exit routes within an hour of receiving intelligence.
“Two individuals were abducted in Oke-Oge, while three were kidnapped in Oba Ile. Efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims are ongoing.”
To prevent further attacks, the security agency has announced plans to establish a permanent camp near the locations where the gunmen had been operating.
“This control post, expected to become operational in the coming days, will serve as a deterrent to criminals and enhance the Corps’ response time.”
On the recent breakthrough of the corps, the security chief recounted how Amotekun operatives successfully rescued five kidnapped victims after a five-day search deep into the forest.
“Among the rescued individuals was a traumatised two-year-old child who had suffered severe beatings from the kidnappers. We thank God we arrived in time. The last five victims are here with us, and we were able to bring them out safely,” he said.
The arrested individuals included suspected kidnappers, rapists, and thieves. Those paraded included Alimi and Eze (kidnapping); Isa Bagudu and Suleja (rape); Uchenna (attempted murder); Yinusa (threat to life and public nuisance); Bello, Rabiu, and Yusawu (possession of crime-related items); Chukwu, Festus, and Abayomi (theft of vehicles, jacks, and motorcycles); Abdullahi (stealing of iron rods); Promise, Isaac, and Bolu (breaking and entering); and Haruna and Yaya (malicious damage and electrical cable theft).
Adeleye revealed that investigations into 12 of the suspects have been concluded, and they will soon face trial. He added that the remaining eight are undergoing further interrogation to uncover details about their accomplices.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, the Amotekun Commander assured the public that Amotekun will continue to synergise with the police, DSS, civil defence, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to ensure peace and security across the state.
The Guardian
