The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has arrested ten suspected kidnappers, including those allegedly responsible for the abduction and murder of Nelson Adepoyigi, a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The New Daily Prime reported that Adepoyigi, who chaired Ward 5 in the Ose Local Government Area, was abducted while parking his car at his home in Ifon and was killed despite his family paying a ransom of N5 million.
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While parading a total of 32 suspects in Akure, the Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the prime suspect in the killing of Adepoyigi had been arrested and had confessed to the crime.
“One of the key suspects behind the murder of the ward chairman in Ose is now in our custody. He has confessed and led us to the forest where we recovered several items belonging to the victims’ families,” Mr Adeleye said.
He disclosed that the security team arrested ten suspected kidnappers, most of whom have been identified by their victims.
The suspects include: Ali, 35; Abeeb, 30; Bobade, 45; Shedrak, 25; Adamu, 25; Adelewa, 20; Suleiman, 40; Mohamed, 20; Suleiman Isiaku, 18; and Useni, 18. The arrests were made in areas such as Ute-Owo Forest, Jugbere Forest, Irese, the Ose/Ifon/Elegbeka axis, Oda Road, and Ipele in Owo.
Mr Adeleye noted that Amotekun’s intensified efforts in recent weeks have prevented ransom payments in kidnapping incidents across the state.
In addition to the kidnap suspects, two armed robbery suspects were apprehended along the Benin-Ore Expressway and are currently under investigation.
Victims of the robbery incident were present during the parade of suspects.
The security agency also arrested a rape suspect and three other individuals linked to armed robbery, including Michael, 23, who was picked up in the Rosco area of Odigbo.
Additionally, a 37-year-old suspect identified as Lawal was arrested for forgery, providing false information, and allegedly aiding and abetting robbery in the Ala axis, near the power line.
Amotekun operatives also captured a notorious cultist and specialist in dismantling vehicle parts, named Henry, in Okitipupa.
Mr Adeleye assured residents that Ondo State remains relatively calm and secure.
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He reassured farmers of their safety, emphasising that Amotekun officers are actively patrolling the forests to protect farming communities.
He urged locals to promptly report any suspicious activities or movements to the security outfit for swift intervention.
