By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed “Amotekun Corps”, on Tuesday paraded 28 suspects arrested for various crimes across the state.
Amotekun operations also target not only criminals but also their financiers and masterminds.
Speaking at the Corps’ headquarters in Akure, the state capital, the Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, said the parade underscores Amotekun’s resolve to dismantle the networks sustaining criminal activities in the state.
“The criminal world is evolving, and we have gone beyond arresting suspects alone. We are now after their godfathers and backbones. Until we uproot them, we won’t have total peace,” Adeleye said.
He said the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, cattle rustling and vandalism to burglary and illegal possession of firearms.
Among those paraded were four suspected kidnappers arrested in Elegbeka identified as Kwangi, Kana, Sam and Daniel, aged between 18 and 27.
Others included Abiola (24), held for fraud and rape, Ogungbemi for sexual assault and Tosin for assault.
The Corps also recovered stolen cattle rustled from Fulani herders in Igbara-Oke.
The alleged rustlers, Abubakar Musa and Umar Mohammed, both 20, were arrested and the cows returned to their owners.
A syndicate specializing in burglary and theft of laptops, phones and motorcycles was also dismantled.
Six suspects, aged between 29 and 69, were paraded, including a 69-year-old man accused of running a ring that attacked motorcycle riders to dispossess them of their bikes.
Other arrests included suspects linked to the theft of pumping machines, electrical materials and unlicensed firearms.
In a particularly disturbing case, Adeleye revealed that a 16-year-old girl found wandering in Ore, five months ago after being drugged and molested was rehabilitated at the Corps’ health facility.
After months of treatment, the girl regained her memory and was eventually reunited with her family in Oyo State.
He also credited the success of recent operations to support from sister agencies, the Police, NSCDC and DSS as well as residents who provided intelligence.
“The security architecture of Ondo State is firm. Criminals can no longer thrive in our forests. Farmers can return to their farms. But we urge citizens to promptly report suspicious activities,” he said.
