In a bid to curb the rising cases of kidnapping, particularly in farm settlements across Ondo State, operatives of the Amotekun Corps have apprehended 114 individuals found wandering in the state’s forests without a clear destination.
According to SUNSHINETRUTH, the security outfit suspects the individuals had criminal intentions, leading to their immediate arrest.
Confirming the operation, the state Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, stated that security personnel had recently been engaged in several encounters with unknown persons infiltrating the state’s forests.
“In line with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s directive, all individuals without legitimate business in our forests must be evacuated and sent back to their respective locations,” Adeleye said.
He explained that the arrested individuals were being transported in two trucks and were scheduled to be dropped off in various parts of the forest, particularly around the Ore-End axis, including Ofosu and its surroundings.
“Upon profiling them, we discovered that apart from three individuals, the rest had no idea where they were being taken,” he revealed.
“They were simply sent into the forest to wait for further instructions from their masters. Given the security situation in the state, the Governor has ordered their immediate return. While freedom of movement is a right, it must serve a genuine purpose.”
Adeleye noted that Ondo State had been actively tackling criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery, making it crucial to prevent potential security threats.
“Over a hundred young men with no clear purpose or destination were intercepted at different locations. If left unchecked, what would they become? Criminals. We are committed to ridding Ondo State of any elements that could pose a threat to residents. If you have no valid reason to be in the forests, then you shouldn’t be there,” he warned.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the Amotekun Corps via the security outfit’s helpline (080799999989), assuring that surveillance across the forests had been intensified.
To ensure compliance with the state government’s directive, the individuals were transported back to their respective states using the same trucks that brought them. Officers of the Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with leaders from the Hausa-Fulani community, supervised their departure.
Reacting to the development, Mallam Bala Umaru, a leader of the Hausa community in Ondo, commended the state government and the Amotekun Corps for prioritizing security while ensuring a peaceful resolution.
“I appreciate Mr. Governor for taking proactive steps to maintain peace and for ensuring that these individuals are returned safely,” he said.
The arrested individuals have now been escorted out of Ondo State as part of ongoing measures to safeguard lives and property.