Residents of Oda Town in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have apprehended a man suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities after he allegedly disguised himself as a mentally unstable person.
The suspect, whose identity has yet to be established, was arrested on Wednesday by community members and subsequently handed over to the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps, in Akure for investigation.
According to residents, the man had loitered around the front of Ogbe High School for about three days, raising suspicion over his prolonged presence in the area.
The arrest comes barely two weeks after a child was reported missing in Emiloro Community, also in Oda Town, a development that has heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
Sources said concerned residents confronted the suspect after observing his movements, leading to the discovery of items allegedly used to lure children.
A viral video seen by our correspondent showed that sweets, juice and other personal items, including clothes, a bag, a calabash, a cage and footwear, were recovered from the suspect. A charm was also seen tied around his waist.
In the footage, the suspect was initially reluctant to remove his clothes when directed by residents but later complied.
One of the residents in the video claimed the suspect often hid in her shop around 10pm, further deepening suspicion about his activities.
When questioned, the suspect reportedly said he hailed from Olofin along Idanre Road and claimed he played football in the area. He also told residents that he came to Oda Town in search of his younger brother.
However, witnesses noted that the man did not display any obvious signs of mental illness during interrogation.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Imam of Oda Town, Sheikh Musa Bolarinwa, used his Jumat sermon to caution parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s movements and avoid sending them on unnecessary errands, warning that criminal elements were now operating within the community.
In a similar message, the Chairman of Araromi Estate in Oda Town, Mr K. Olanipekun, in a voice note circulated among residents, advised parents to desist from sending children out at night to reduce the risk of abduction.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine whether the suspect was connected to the disappearance of the child in Emiloro Community two weeks earlier.