One of the farmers abducted by gunmen in Okeigbo, Ondo State, has died in captivity, while five other kidnapping victims have been rescued in separate operations across the state.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, disclosed the development during a briefing by its commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.
Gunmen had reportedly abducted two farmers in Parubber Community, within the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, and demanded N100 million in ransom for their release.
Adeleye said the incident occurred a few days ago, prompting nine operatives of the agency’s Special Squad to launch a rescue operation after receiving a distress call.
He said the Amotekun Corps worked with other security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to track the kidnappers and locate the victims.
According to him, the operation was intensified following a directive from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the victims were rescued.
“I’m glad to let you know that several kilometres away from the scene of crime, we successfully secured the release of the two of them that were kidnapped in Okeigbo,” Adeleye said.
However, he explained that the kidnappers used deceptive tactics to mislead the security operatives about their location.
The victims were eventually found deep inside a reserve forest, but one of them, a woman, could not be revived.
“We were able to rescue a life without a problem, the man. But unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lady was exhausted and we couldn’t revive her because we met her dead or unconscious,” he said.
Adeleye added that one of the suspected kidnappers had been traced to Oyo State, with security agencies working together to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.
In a separate operation along the Ore axis of Odigbo Local Government Area, Amotekun operatives arrested suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.
“Today again, we have a group that specialises in kidnapping all in Odigbo Local Government. After very decisive actions, we were able to arrest the main culprits who, in collaboration with some at large,” Adeleye said.
The commander also announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as Akinlolu and Akintimi, for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Giving details of the arrests, Adeleye said nine suspects were apprehended for various alleged offences relating to breaches of law and order, while five were linked to kidnapping.
He said the early transmission of distress signals by some victims’ families enabled Amotekun Rangers operating in the forests to respond quickly and secure their release.
“Only yesterday night, we were equally able to rescue four men in the Ala-Dada axis that were being kidnapped,” Adeleye said.
The Amotekun commander assured residents and prospective investors that the agency would continue to work with other security agencies to protect lives and property across Ondo State.
