Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have successfully rescued five kidnapped individuals from various forest locations across the state, without the payment of any ransom
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the families of the victims had initially been asked to pay a ransom of ₦150 million. However, swift action by the security outfit ensured that none of the money was handed over before the victims were freed.
Adeleye explained that four of the rescued individuals were abducted along the Ore-Ijebu Ode expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area, while the fifth victim was traced to the Ifon forest area days after being taken from his home in the Upemen community on the Owo-Ikare road in Owo Local Government.
“Four (victims) were kidnapped at Nirowi area along Lagos Ore Road on the 10th of May. The good thing about it is that, within a few minutes of this occurrence, they contacted our distress call line and we mobilised men to enter the forests. They were kidnapped by four armed men and led into the bush.
“But I want to tell you today that by the grace of God, Amotekun Corp has been able to recover the four of them present here today without payment of ransom and no loss of lives,” Adeleye said.
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He also shared details of the fifth victim, Emmanuel, who was abducted along the Ikare-Owo road on May 6 and released without any ransom despite sustaining injuries.
“In the same vein, one Emmanuel that was kidnapped along Ikare-Owo Road on the 6th of May was also released without payment of any ransom. Despite the fact that the attackers inflicted several martial arts wounds on him, we acted on credible intelligence and were able to release this victim unarmed. He has been receiving medical attention from our medical facility,” he stated.
Adeleye encouraged residents to remain vigilant and share timely intelligence with security agencies, adding that Amotekun has stationed its officers in all strategic forest areas across the state.
He further noted that more than a dozen cases of armed robbery and kidnapping have been intercepted by the corps, particularly along the border axis shared with Ogun State.
