Amotekun Arrests 97 Suspects Linked to Kidnapping and Robbery in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has arrested 97 people for various alleged crimes in the state.

The agency said these suspects are linked to serious activities like kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and breaking the anti-open grazing law.

On Sunday, the state commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adeleye, shared details about these arrests, which happened during raids over the past two weeks.

Adeleye mentioned that some of those arrested are part of armed robbery and kidnapping gangs operating in places like Ikare Akoko, Akure, and Ilu-Abo, among others.

He said, "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."

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. We equally have some individuals who confessed to being informants and suppliers to kidnappers in the forest, as well as confirmed members of kidnapping groups."

The Amotekun commander also revealed that some suspects were caught in the forest with personal items, showing they were living there illegally.

He warned the public about a new trend in crime. This involves women of different ages coming into the forests with household items like cooking utensils, mortars, and bedding.

He said, "Upon interrogation, they confirmed they were fleeing security pressure in the North. They also admitted that they were invited by some members of these northern groups to come and destabilise the peace in the southern part of the state, which had previously been very peaceful."

Adeleye noted, "One suspect told us he invited only two people to work for him, but those two people brought 51 others. The man who invited them confirmed that he only requested two workers. These individuals subsequently brought 51 more people into the forest, loaded with various goods, to an area they had never been before. This is highly suspicious."