The Ondo State Security Network Agency, widely recognized as the Amotekun Corps, has announced a major crackdown on criminal activities in the state with the arrest of 27 individuals implicated in a variety of offenses, including kidnapping, theft, murder, and burglary.
These arrests followed intensive operations over the last two weeks aimed at preserving the peace across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
The suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure.
The state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, provided an overview of the arrests, saying, “Today, we have a total of 27 suspects on parade. In the last two weeks across the state, we have 27 suspects involved in law-breaking activities.” He further acknowledged sporadic kidnapping incidents near the borders but was quick to add, “the entire 18 local governments is at peace.”
Highlighting the security measures in place, Adeleye assured that Ondo State remains “peaceful and community-friendly, investment-friendly,” with Amotekun personnel deployed strategically across farmlands and government forest reserves to maintain order and prevent crimes from escalating.
Among the notable cases, Adeleye pointed to a 30-year-old suspect arrested for cultism and attempting to murder law enforcement officers.
In another disturbing incident, a 42-year-old named Gbenro allegedly assaulted Amotekun officers, demonstrating the risks faced by security personnel in tackling violent offenders.
Further, a 21-year-old, Samuel Peter, was apprehended on charges of attempted murder, while another suspect, Akimade Friday, is accused of the brutal murder of a 65-year-old man.
Theft was another major focus, with Adeleye spotlighting Segun Owolabi, 20, who has allegedly specialized in stealing motorcycles in the area.
Additionally, a group of young men, aged between 22 and 25, was detained for suspected involvement in multiple house burglaries.
The individuals identified, including Toba, Pelumi, Ogumade, and Oriade, are believed to have worked in coordination to carry out these thefts.
Aside from major criminal arrests, Amotekun has also facilitated conflict resolution in local communities, addressing five recent clashes between herders and farmers.
Adeleye stated, “The herders volunteered to pay for the cost of what they destroyed and equally paid the fine of government for the infringement,” illustrating the corps’ proactive approach to maintaining harmony in rural areas.
