—- As Amotekun parades 24 suspected criminals

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

A 32-year-old student, Bisola Olisa, has narrated how she escaped from the den of kidnappers after she and six others were abducted at Akungba area of Ondo state.

Biola, said that she told the kidnappers that she wanted to defecate and thereafter escaped.

The victim, told newsmen in Akure while the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun, paraded 24 suspects involved in various offences across the state.

According to her “I was coming from Ikare, heading to Ekiti. On getting to Akungba, I boarded a vehicle from the garage; there were seven of us in the vehicle.

“At a certain spot, we started hearing gunshots from herdsmen. So, they stopped us immediately.

” A passenger beside me was shot dead, and they marched us into the bush. Some passengers were injured.

“The kidnappers were many on the road, but as we moved into the bush, four of them led us, all carrying guns.

“We trekked throughout the night until the next morning when we reached a mountain where we sat down.

“They asked us to lie down, and the three of us obeyed for about 30 minutes. I realized they were no longer talking.

” I peeped to check if they were sleeping but saw only one of them; the other gang members were gone.

“I told them that I needed to defecate and escaped. On reaching the main road, I saw the Amotekun Corps, and they rescued me and took me to their main station.

Speaking on the arrest of the 24 suspected criminals, the state commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said that the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.

Adeleye said that the suspects were arrested for offences, which include kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy and cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, malicious damage, theft of public property, breaking and entering, stealing, destruction of CCTV cameras, and burglary.

According to him “we paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable. Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.

“Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders.

“Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed.

“There are no significant problems related to terrorism, land, or chieftaincy disputes. Students activities are ongoing without crisis, and there are no current labor union issues.”

“Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare, which recorded one fatality and four victims being taken into the bush, the Corps responded immediately in collaboration with other security agencies.

“We apprehended two suspects, one of whom is here and we are confident that we will secure the release of the remaining victims.

He said exhibits recovered from the suspects, including motorcycles, fans, household equipment, foodstuffs, and other items, would be returned to their rightful owners.

The suspects, he added, will be profiled, and those who need to go to court will be taken to court, while the corps will explore other means to ensure justice for the rightful owners of the stolen items.

In another development, Men of Amotekun Corps have arraigned a farmer, William Bassey, before an Akure Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly procuring information and buying food items for kidnappers.

The defendant is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy, aiding and abetting.

The prosecuting counsel, DS Msonter-Shagba told the court that the defendant, sometimes in July, 2024 at Ilu Abo, Ondo State, gathered and gave information to kidnappers for the purpose of kidnapping.

Shagba alleged that the accused was aiding kidnappers by buying and supplying food items to them.

According to the prosecutor, the offences are punishable under Sections 5(1) and 11 of the Ondo State Anti-kidnapping and Anti- abduction Law, 2010.

Shagba made an application for the remand of the defendant in the correctional centre, pending the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in the State Ministry of Justice.

The defence counsel, Kehinde Osadugba opposed the remand application.

Osadugba urged the court to give the defendant the privilege to file counter affidavits to the applications.

The presiding Magistrate, T.I. Ayodele adjourned the case till July18, 2024, for ruling on the remand.