Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps, have rescued 28 Ghanaians who were kidnapped and held hostage in the Oda area of Akure, the state capital.
The victims had been lured to Akure by a 28-man syndicate under the false pretense of securing United States visas for them. After paying between $1,500 and $2,000, they were held captive and forced to lure additional victims before being released.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the corps also recovered N210,000 from kidnappers who had abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of N10 million.
Adeleye stated that the recent coordinated operations under “Operation Daadaa,” launched by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, led to the successful rescue of victims and the arrest of 61 suspects involved in kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, and violations of anti-open grazing laws.
He warned young Nigerians to be cautious when seeking travel opportunities abroad and urged them to engage in legitimate ventures instead. “These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people. It’s an international syndicate coordinated by a Ghanaian residing in Akure, though still at large,” he said.
In a further crackdown on criminal activities, the Ondo State government has placed a ban on the use of motorcycles (Okada) after 8 p.m. due to their frequent use in crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and rape. Additionally, authorities have mandated the registration of all vehicles, with a one-week deadline for compliance.
Adeleye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property, warning illegal occupants of forest reserves that enforcement measures would be intensified.
