The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, says it has arrested 114 individuals who illegally entered forests in the state to commit crimes.
The state Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, who announced the arrest, said the suspects have been released by the Corps and “sent back” to their states on the order of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“In the last few weeks, we have been engaged in running battles with strangers infiltrating our forests in Ondo State.
“The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed that all individuals without legitimate business in the deep forests of the state should be evacuated and sent back,” Adeleye disclosed.
The Amotekun Corps boss explained that the 114 suspects were transported in two trucks from the forests including Ofosu, among others to their respective states.
“Upon profiling them, it was discovered that all but three had no knowledge of where they were being taken. Their masters simply sent them into the forests to await further directives.
“The governor has therefore ordered their immediate return. Yes, there is freedom of movement in Nigeria, but it must be purposeful.
“Over a hundred young men, without any clear purpose or destination, were intercepted at various points.
“What would they become if left unchecked? Criminals. We have been battling kidnappers and armed robbers across the state, and we are resolute in ridding Ondo of such elements.
“If you have no legitimate reason to be in our forests, what exactly are you doing there? We urge the public not to harbour strangers of questionable background or origin.
“In the spirit of national unity, the state government has directed that these individuals be returned to their respective states using the same trucks that brought them.
“Officers of the Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with opinion leaders from the Hausa-Fulani community, will escort them out to ensure full compliance with the directive.
“If you are not adding value to Ondo State, do not bring us problems,” Adeleye stated.
He appealed to residents to always report suspicious individuals to the Amotekun Corps via cell phone 080799999989.
Adeleye assured that the security outfit has intensified surveillance across the forests in the state.
He emphasised that the forests were no longer safe havens for criminals.
Thefrontrank reports that insecurity in the state has worsened with over 20 people killed in communal and cults clashes, with scores kidnapped in some parts of Ondo State in the last one month.
