Following the bombardment of terrorist hideouts in Sokoto and Kwara states, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has raised concern over the movement of young men toward the South-West without clear destinations.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading 32 suspected criminals at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
He said the state has recently witnessed a significant influx of unemployed young men from the northern part of the country, many of whom arrive without any defined purpose.
According to Adeleye, some of the individuals, after profiling in collaboration with other security agencies, were returned to their states of origin when they could not provide convincing reasons for coming to Ondo State.
The Amotekun commander said: “In recent times, we have observed a renewed upsurge in the influx of young, unemployed men from the upper part of the country into the state.
“In collaboration with other security agencies, we have continued to do everything within our capacity to return those who do not have genuine reasons for coming into the state back to their states of origin.”
Adeleye also disclosed that operatives of the Amotekun Corps intercepted 42 persons concealed in a truck loaded with bitumen.
He explained that the incident was responsible for social media reports claiming that terrorists had invaded Akure about two weeks earlier.
Dismissing the reports, the Corps commander said: “Only recently, I came across a social media video clip where people were shouting that bandits had entered Akure.
“Let me state clearly that bandits did not enter Akure.
“What actually happened was that 42 persons were found hidden inside a truck loaded with bitumen.
“Investigations and profiling of these individuals have since commenced.”
Speaking on the 32 suspects paraded, Adeleye said 12 were arrested for contravening law and order, three were arrested for violating the anti-grazing law, while 17 were linked to kidnap-related offences.
He said: “This represents an increase in the number of kidnap suspects recorded in the state.
“Among them is a group of three men who allegedly attempted to kill their Fulani boss after rustling 10 of his cows in Idoani. The suspects are Ibrahim, aged 40; Yunusa, aged 30; and Abdukadri, aged 25.
“In Oba-Akoko, there had been several kidnap cases around Akungba-Akoko. Acting on intelligence, our operatives laid ambush and, at the point of what the suspects believed was a ransom exchange, we apprehended two suspects, Pius and John, aged 23 and 35 respectively, who were assigned to collect the ransom.
“Other collaborators are still at large, but we are making concerted efforts to apprehend them.
“We also arrested Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29, around Ile Oluji and Ondo town in connection with criminal activities.
“In Akin Camp and Odigbo axis, we arrested Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu, aged between 22 and 35, and Abba Aliu, aged 29.
“One of the suspects had previously been arrested for kidnap-related offences but escaped from lawful custody. He was later re-arrested at Akin Camp, where the kidnapping incident occurred.
“The victims were successfully rescued and the suspects taken into custody.
“In Agbogbo area of Akure, we arrested three persons found in possession of loads of items which they could not reasonably explain how they acquired. Additionally, four other suspects were arrested at the same Akure garage for conspiracy, assault and breach of public peace.
“On conspiracy, stealing and anti-grazing-related activities in Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, we arrested Abdulahi, Kada and Useni. Also arrested was one Friday, aged 43, for breaking and stealing.
“Furthermore, Yayah Abba was arrested for stealing in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar, involving motorcycles and water pumps.”
The Amotekun commander urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to the nearest security agencies in order to prevent criminal activities.
