Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, have rescued eight kidnapped passengers in the Akoko North axis of the state.
The timely response followed by a distress call, thwarted
what could have escalated into yet another tragic case of abduction for ransom.
Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye,
revealed the successful operation during a press briefing at the Corps’ command
headquarters, in Akure on Sunday, May 25, 2026.
According to Adeleye, the incident occurred between Ase and
Isua, near Ishe, Iboropa, and Ugbe locations frequently targeted by criminal
elements.
“Today is another good story, between these towns,
kidnappers struck, but one of the victims managed to alert our distress call
number. Fortunately, we have a mobile Amotekun unit stationed near the Edo-Ondo
boundary around the Ibilo area who responded swiftly,” he said.
"The operation led to the safe recovery of eight
individuals, including Samuel Okunola, the driver of one of the two attacked
vehicles, which had departed Ibilo for Ikare.
"Other rescued passengers included individuals
identified simply as Alausa, Kasali, Paul, Sani, and Moses.
“The driver of the second vehicle sustained machete wounds
and is currently receiving medical treatment, while six other passengers with
minor injuries were also rescued from the forest.”
Adeleye issued a stern
warning to the public, particularly farmers, urging them to report any
suspicious activity, especially involving armed herders.
"The Ondo State
government does not permit anyone to use firearms while rearing cows. If you
see anyone doing so, report immediately.
"They are not
invisible; people see them every day. The Amotekun Corps can respond within
three minutes anywhere in the state,” he said.
He further emphasized the
state’s unwavering stance against ransom payments.
"All those rescued
were freed without paying a dime. Ondo State has said no to kidnapping for
ransom,” he stated.
Narrating his ordeal, the
52-year-old driver, Samuel Okunola expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying “we
were on our way from Ibilo when they attacked us, thank God Amotekun was close
by.”
"They came
immediately, and no ransom was paid. They chased the kidnappers away. We thank
God and His Excellency for supporting Amotekun.”
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