The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has rescued no fewer than eight kidnapped passengers from gunmen terrorizing residents in the Akoko North area of the state.
They were rescued from their abductors following a distressed call made by one of the victims after armed men attacked two commercial vehicles along the Ase-Isua-Ishe-Iboropa-Ugbe axis, a route that has become den for kidnappers.
Those rescued include the driver of one of the attacked vehicles, 52-year-old Samuel Okunola, and other passengers identified as Alausa, Kasali, Paul, Sani, and Moses.
The driver of the second vehicle sustained machete wounds and is currently receiving treatment, while six other passengers, who suffered minor injuries, were also rescued from the forest.
Narrating his ordeal, driver Samuel Okunola said: “We were on our way from Ibilo when they attacked us. Thank God Amotekun was close by. They responded immediately and chased the kidnappers away. No ransom was paid.”
Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed the details of the operation at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, praising the swift response of the Corps’ mobile patrol unit stationed near the Edo-Ondo boundary.
“Today is another good story. One of the abducted victims was able to call our distress number, and our men near the Ibilo area swung into action immediately.”
Adeleye issued a strong advisory to the public, particularly farmers, urging them to report any suspicious activity, especially cases involving armed herders.
“The Ondo State government does not permit anyone to use firearms while rearing cows,” he stressed. “If you see anyone doing so, report immediately. They are not invisible. Amotekun can respond within three minutes anywhere in the state.”
While reiterating the security outfits commitment to zero-tolerance policy on ransom payment, he said: “All those rescued were freed without paying a kobo. Ondo State has said no to kidnapping for ransom”.
Meanwhile, the Ajiroba of Ugbe land, Fatai Aliu, lauded the prompt intervention by Amotekun and commended the state government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“As soon as the attack happened, Amotekun was there, exchanging gunfire and rescuing the victims. We are grateful,” he said.
This latest success adds to the growing list of victories recorded by the Amotekun Corps in its fight against criminality and sends a resounding warning to kidnappers: Ondo State is no longer a safe haven.
