The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, paraded 27 suspected criminals on Tuesday, following their arrest across the 18 local government areas of the state over the past two weeks, News About Nigeria reports.
While parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, State Commander Adetunji Adeleye reported that, in addition to two recorded kidnapping cases, the agency dealt with numerous incidents of housebreaking during the review period.
“Today, we have a total of 27 suspects on parade,” Adeleye stated. “We recorded five cases related to anti-grazing and farmers’ clashes, all of which were resolved amicably. The herders voluntarily compensated for the damage caused and paid the government fines for their infringements.”
Adeleye noted that the current situation is relatively peaceful, with only a few isolated kidnapping incidents occurring near the Akunu-Kogi-Ondo border and the Ose border between Edo and Ondo states.
“Overall, we can say that all 18 local governments are at peace,” he added.
Among those arrested was a 30-year-old man involved in malicious damage, cultism, and attempted murder of law enforcement officers.
Another suspect, identified only as Gbenro, is accused of attacking Amotekun officers to conceal his illegal activities.
The commander pointed out several other arrests, including a 21-year-old named Samuel Peter, who faced attempted murder charges, and 20-year-old Akimade Friday, accused of murdering a 65-year-old man.
Additionally, 20-year-old Segun Owolabi was arrested for motorcycle theft and robbery.
Adeleye also mentioned a gang of suspects specialising in house burglary, with ages ranging from 22 to 25, including Toba, Pelumi, Ogunade, and Oriade. Another suspect, Segun Yusuf, was charged with damaging household properties.
In his remarks, Adeleye urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear.
He assured them that Amotekun rangers are actively patrolling farms and government forest reserves to prevent infringements.
“A cross-section of these suspects showed that more than before, the state is getting more peaceful. I want to assure the residents of Ondo State that the Ondo State Security Network Agency will continue to engage criminals, both within the town and in the forest, towards ensuring that people can sleep with their two eyes closed in their houses, farmers can go to their farms, and commuters can travel without fear, especially as the yuletide period is coming in”, Adeleye added.
