The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended no fewer than 24 persons for various criminal offences.
The corps also said it rescued a student, Bisola Olisa, who was kidnapped by bandits along the Ikare-Ado Ekiti Expressway.
Speaking on the arrest, on Wednesday, the state Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the suspects were arrested for offences, which include kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy and cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, malicious damage among others.
According to the commander, the operation which led to the arrest of the suspects, was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.
He said, “We arrested and paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable. Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.
“Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders. Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed.
“There are no significant problems related to terrorism, land, or chieftaincy disputes. Student activities are ongoing without crisis, and there are no current labour union issues.”
On the kidnap case, Adeleye explained that the 32-year-old victim was abducted alongside three other victims in the Supare area in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state but was rescued by the combined team of Amotekun and other security agents. He noted that two of the abductors had been arrested.
“Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare, which recorded one fatality and four victims being taken into the bush, the corps responded immediately in collaboration with other security agencies.
“We apprehended two suspects, one of whom is here and we are confident that we will secure the release of the remaining victims,” Adeleye added.
The commander said the suspects would be profiled, and those who needed to go to court would be taken to court, while the corps would explore other means to ensure justice for the rightful owners of the stolen items.
Narrating how she was kidnapped, the victim, Bisola Olisa explained, “ I was coming from Ikare, heading to Ekiti. On getting to Akungba, I boarded a vehicle from the garage; there were seven of us in the vehicle. At a certain spot, we started hearing gunshots from the bandits. So, they stopped us immediately. A passenger beside me was shot dead, and they marched us into the bush. Some passengers were injured.
“The kidnappers were many on the road, but as we moved into the bush, four of them led us, all carrying guns. We trekked throughout the night until the next morning when we reached a mountain where we sat down. They asked us to lie down, and the three of us obeyed for about 30 minutes. I realised they were no longer talking. I peeped to check if they were sleeping but saw only one of them; the other gang members were gone.
“I told them that I needed to defecate, that was how I escaped. On reaching the main road, I saw the Amotekun Corps, and they rescued me and took me to their station. “
