Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have rescued 28 Ghanaians who were kidnapped and held hostage in the Oda area of Akure, the state capital.
The victims were lured to Nigeria by a 28-man syndicate under the false pretense of securing United States visas for them after they had paid between $1,500 and $2,000. Upon arrival, they were held captive until they could lure another victim into the trap.
In a further operation, Amotekun operatives recovered ₦210,000 from kidnappers who had abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million.
Speaking at a press briefing where 61 suspects were paraded for offenses including kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, and violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law, the Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, detailed the security successes recorded.
“My advice to young men, please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek greener pastures abroad. These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people, and it’s an international syndicate being coordinated by a Ghanaian resident in Akure, though at large,” Adeleye warned.
He described the syndicate’s method of operation, saying, “The syndicate operates by calling unsuspecting individuals in foreign countries, offering assistance with U.S. or Canadian visa processing for a fee of $1,500 – $5,000. They also promise jobs, claiming that the only route is through Nigeria. Upon arrival in Lagos, agents pick them up, bring them to Akure, and then seize their money. They are held hostage until they recruit another victim.”
Adeleye expressed confidence that justice would soon catch up with the mastermind of the operation. “We’re sure that the long hand of justice will catch up with him. There are so many profitable ventures that you can engage in as a young man in Nigeria. I want to encourage you that now that the Aiyedatiwa-led government is resolute in guaranteeing security of lives and property in the state, you can equally join the wagon in the agricultural sector.”
The Amotekun commander also warned those occupying Ondo’s forest reserves illegally.
“The position of the government is that for you to be in the forest reserves of Ondo State, you must seek and obtain government permission. We have met with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah and various groups, and we’ve made the position of government known,” he stated. Adeleye further warned against criminals hiding under the guise of economic activities.
“The era of bringing two, three hundred men behind a few bags of rice under the guise of coming to hunt or offload goods is gone in Ondo State. Security agencies at the borders have been alerted to send such trucks back once we find more than 10 people who do not have a clear destination.”
In a bid to curb crime, the Ondo State Government has placed a ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) from operating beyond 8 p.m.
“So many nefarious activities are being perpetrated by these unknown Okada riders who have found their way from different parts of the country to kidnap, rob, rape, and maim unsuspecting members of the public,” Adeleye stated.
Additionally, the government has announced a crackdown on unregistered vehicles.
“The era of the use of unlicensed vehicles plying the road has ended. This is because the majority of these evil perpetrators go around with fake dealer numbers, fake number plates, and unlicensed vehicles. You have one week, effective from today, to regularize your vehicle particulars.”
With these measures, the Ondo State Government and Amotekun Corps are taking firm steps to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the state.
