One Kidnap Victim Dies as Amotekun Pursues Abductors in Ondo

One of the two people kidnapped on Friday in Parubber community, Ileoluji-Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has died.

Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the state security outfit called Amotekun, shared this news at a press conference in Akure on Monday.

Mr Adeleye said the deceased, whose name was not given, died due to stress faced during the pursuit of the kidnappers. He added that the second victim survived and was rescued.

The victims worked on a livestock farm in the area. They were taken by armed men who came from the bush, wearing masks and carrying AK-47 rifles. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of N100 million.

A witness, Yemi Omowale, narrowly escaped being kidnapped during the incident.

This situation led to a response from the police and other security groups, who promised to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.

Reports say Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered Amotekun to make sure the victims were rescued.

Mr Adeleye explained that with the help of various security agencies, the victims were rescued several kilometers from where they were taken before the female victim passed away.

"I think every day they are coming up with new strategies and that is why we also developed non-kinetic measures alongside intelligence-driven bush combing that we did," he said.

"But unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lady was exhausted, and we couldn’t revive her because we found her dead or unconscious."

Mr Adeleye noted it was positive news that the man was rescued alive as they had been taken deep into the forest from the crime scene.

"But the good news is that we have sent signals by this action that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State," he said.

He also mentioned that Amotekun arrested a group of suspects involved in kidnapping and stealing cattle from Fulani herdsmen in Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu, and Omotosho, all in Odigbo Local Government Area.

"After very decisive actions, we were able to arrest the main culprits who, in partnership with others who are still at large, also stole these cows in three different locations; we have them here. We also have those who bought these cows from them. They have ready markets across the state where they sell the cows at very low prices," he said.

"They say cows are sold for under N100,000 at times. We have them here. This shows that the best criminals can do is to leave Ondo State. These cow rustlers and their partners are on parade."

Amotekun also paraded two individuals, Akinlolu and Akintimi, who are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, along with one Jamiu who is known for vandalizing houses under construction.

Mr Jamiu, 30, allegedly focuses on stealing electrical cables, plumbing installations, and other items from buildings.

Mr Adeleye added that based on current crime reports, Ondo State is safe.

Just on Sunday, Amotekun operatives rescued two men in the Ala-Dada area after they were kidnapped.

A distress call was made to Amotekun shortly after the kidnapping, and the agency quickly sent personnel to search the forest, successfully rescuing the victims.