Palpable fears and concerns have enveloped Akoko communities in the Northern senatorial district of Ondo state over incessant abduction of farmers, their wives, travellers and market women.
Findings by vanguard indicated that farmers in the senatorial district now preferred going to their farms in groups. Sources said that the kidnappers usually operate especially in the early hours of the day and in the evening.
Speaking with vanguard, a community leader in one of the affected Communities, Alhaji Akeem Adeleye, said, “our people now live in fear. Many of them now take their time to travel on the road. In fact, they prefer to embark on any journey in groups. Our farmers have abandoned their farms because of the ugly development. They go to farms in group now.
“I think it’s high time that our security operatives to do more in the senatorial district because we share border with other states. Families of victims pay huge amount of money as ransom to the abductors before they gain their freedom. In many cases, market women and young girls abducted ended up being raped by these hooligans. It’s a sad story”. He advised that various communities in senatorial district should form local vigilante and hunters groups to complement the regular security agents.
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Speaking on the security in the senatorial district, the state commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye said that ” kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders communities and are being addressed. Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare Akoko, which recorded one fatality and four victims being taken into the bush, the Corps responded immediately in collaboration with other security agencies. We apprehended two suspects, one of whom is here and we are confident that we will secure the release of the remaining victims”.
He said exhibits recovered from the suspects, including motorcycles, fans, household equipment, foodstuffs, and other items, would be returned to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, an Akure Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a farmer, William Bassey, for allegedly providing information and buying food items for kidnappers.
The trial Chief Magistrate T.I. Ayodele ordered his remand in Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Recall that the state security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, had earlier arraigned Bassey on charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting.
The Police Prosecuting counsel, Msonter-Shagba, told the court that in July 2024, at Ilu Abo, Ondo State, Bassey gathered and gave information to kidnappers to facilitate their activities.
Shagba, alleged that Bassey aided the kidnappers by purchasing and supplying food items to them.
The offences , according to him are punishable under Sections 5(1) and 11 of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.
He applied for Bassey’s remand, pending advice from the DPP in the State Ministry of Justice.
However Bassey who denied the allegations, told the court that he was returning from his farm when vigilante men accosted him and led him to the town’s monarch. Bassey added that they later accused him of being an agent for kidnappers.
The Magistrate, thereafter, ordered the case file to be sent to the DPP and adjourned the case for mention.