Amotekun Corps Apprehends Suspected Herdsmen in Plot to Kill Employer

…debunks influx of bandits in Akure Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested three suspected herdsmen for allegedly attempting to kill their employer after slaughtering 10 of his cows in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area. The suspects — identified as Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25) — were apprehended following a report lodged with the security outfit. Parading the suspects over the weekend alongside others arrested statewide, Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that 32 individuals were taken into custody for various offences. He said the arrests stemmed from intensified intelligence-led operations, particularly in response to the increasing influx of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country into Ondo State. Adeleye explained that among the 32 suspects, 12 were picked up for disturbances, three for violating the anti-grazing law, and 17 in connection with kidnap-related activities. He said the trio from Idoani are accused of plotting to kill their ‘Fulani boss’ after roasting 10 of his cows. He also raised concern over rising banditry in the Akoko axis, noting that two suspects — Pius (23) and John (35) — were arrested while allegedly attempting to collect ransom from the family of a kidnapped victim. Other accomplices remain at large. Adeleye further dismissed a viral social media report claiming that bandits had invaded Akure, describing it as misinformation. “Bandits did not enter Akure. What actually happened was that 42 people were discovered hiding inside a bitumen truck loaded with bitumen. Investigation and profiling of these individuals have commenced “We are working with other security agencies to ensure that those without genuine reasons for coming into the state are returned to their states of origin,” he said. Adeleye further disclosed that four suspects – Elura, Alilu, Adamu, and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29 — were arrested around Ile-Oluji and Ondo town for alleged involvement in criminal activities. He added that in the Akin Camp and Odigbo axis, Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (aged between 22 and 35) and Abba Aliu (29) were arrested, noting that one of them had previously escaped from lawful custody after being arrested for a kidnap-related offence but was later re-arrested. “The victims involved in the kidnapping incident were successfully rescued,” he said. The Amotekun Commander added that three suspects were arrested in the Agbogbo area of Akure for possession of items they could not reasonably explain, while four others were apprehended at a nearby garage for conspiracy, assault, and breach of public peace. He said Abdulahi, Kada, and Useni were also arrested for conspiracy, stealing, and anti-grazing-related offences in the Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, while one Friday (43) was arrested for breaking and stealing. According to Adeleye, Yayah Abba was arrested for allegedly stealing motorcycles and water pumps in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar. He, however, reassured residents that the state remains peaceful, stressing that sustained security operations have continued to reduce criminal activities.