One of the two farmers kidnapped by gunmen in Okeigbo, Ondo State, has died in captivity.
Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, said five other kidnap victims have been rescued in separate operations across the state.
Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading 14 suspects in Akure.
Gunmen had abducted two farmers in Parubber Community, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, and demanded N100 million ransom for their release.
Adeleye said the Okeigbo incident occurred a few days ago, prompting nine operatives of the Special Squad to immediately commence a rescue operation after receiving a distress call.
He said the Amotekun Corps also collaborated with sister security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
He said the operation was intensified following a directive from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that 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.
But he said the kidnappers employed deceptive tactics to mislead the security operatives about their location.
Adeleye said the victims were eventually located deep inside a reserve forest, but one of them, a woman, could not be revived.
“We were able to rescue alive 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 stated.
The Amotekun commander added that one of the suspected kidnappers had been tracked to Oyo State, with arrangements ongoing with sister security agencies to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.
In another operation in the Ore axis of Odigbo Local Government Area, Adeleye said 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 is in collaboration with some at large,” he said.
Adeleye also disclosed the arrest of two suspects, Akinlolu and Akintimi, for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Giving a breakdown of the suspects paraded, the commander said nine were arrested for alleged offences relating to breach of law and order, while five were linked to kidnapping.
He said the families of some of the victims were able to send distress signals early enough, enabling Amotekun Rangers operating in the forest to respond 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 potential investors of the security of lives and property across the state.
