Ahead of Yuletide season, Ondo State Security Network Agency codename Amotekun said it has deployed 1,200 personnel to check criminal activities across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
This is just as the corps said it has commenced 24-hoir border patrol in the neighbouring states of Osun, Edo and Kogi and would be in place throughout the festive season.
The state Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye stated this on Tuesday while parading 22 suspected criminals arrested by the agency within 14 days.
His words: “We are parading 22 suspects that were arrested across the 18 local governments of Ondo State within the last 14 days. Across the board, we have three suspects arrested for kidnapping, those that broke down law and order, 19, two arrested for suspected robbery.
“We have one suspect for burglary and stealing of household items, two suspects for burglary and stealing of electronics. Conspiracy, burglary and stealing, we have three. Breaking and entering of houses, we have four. Stealing of copper wire, motorcycle, sewing machine, and cables, we have five suspects.”
Equally, Adeleye said the corps arrested a syndicate that vandalizes electrical installations and transformers, and another group that engages in stealing of gasoline pump, car tire, and removal of batteries.
“So we have Sule, Gende, and Lido as suspects for kidnapping. We have Ibukun Akintan for suspected robbery. Rotimi Bidemi, Ojo, Ilesanmi for burglary. For stealing of motorcycle, we have Nelson Akinwande.
“For stealing of industrial machine, we have Omolola Opeyemi, for stealing of cables in the medical institution, we have Sunday Ego. Stealing of transformer cable, we have Patrick Emmanuel and we have Ekpa Augustine and Damilola for stealing of pumps and other equipments.
Adeleye said, “however, we have two kidnap suspects and this is supposed to be a lesson for our people at home. The kidnap actually took place in a rubber estate in Edo State and tracking brought them to the southern senatorial district of Ondo State. After diligent investigation and tracking, men of the Ondo State security network agency were able to apprehend the primary suspect and the soft targets here with us today.
“But before then, some other suspects had been arrested by men of the state security services of Edo State. Rather than waste time on their prosecution in Ondo State and in the spirit of collaboration, we would release these two suspects to the office of the Director of state security services of Edo State for them to conclude and complete the trial of those that were apprehended.
“But I want to state that one of the soft targets unknowingly harboured a kidnapped victim for more than a week and our investigation showed that he might not have been totally bereaved that the man kept in his custody was kidnapped. Please, this period, be weary of visitors you allow into your privacy. Again, make sure you have relevant papers that cover the sale of second-hand products you purchase.”
Besides, Adeleye noted that Amotekun, in collaboration with all mother security agencies in Ondo State, have mapped out strategy to ensure that influx of visitors and so on does not increase crime rates in Ondo State.
“We will continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and property during this yuletide period. What you will observe in a couple of days from now is the presence of Amotekun men at strategic locations and black spots everywhere within the 18 local governments. This will no doubt curtail the excesses of these criminals.”
Fidelis David
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