The Ondo State Government has deployed 100 personnel of its security outfit, Amotekun, to Ekiti State to help free five pupils and four staff members kidnapped on Monday.

The victims were abducted from Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Emure Ekiti by unknown gunmen.

The commander of Amotekun in Ondo, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the move was based on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed solidarity with his Ekiti counterpart, Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Adeleye made this known in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while parading 31 suspected criminals arrested for various offences in the state.

He said the Ondo Amotekun personnel would work with their Ekiti counterparts to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the pupils and staff members.

He also assured the residents of Ondo State that the security situation in the state was under control and that Amotekun would continue to patrol the streets and forests to prevent and combat crime.

Amotekun Arrests 31 Suspects in Ondo

Adeleye stated that the Amotekun paraded 31 suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, and other crimes.

He reported that law enforcement arrested some of the suspects in the forest reserves, where they were hiding and planning to carry out attacks.

He said Amotekun had intensified its operations in the last three months, following the order of Governor Aiyedatiwa to flush out all criminals from the state.

Adeleye said Amotekun had also collaborated with other security agencies, such as the police, the army, the DSS, and the civil defense, to ensure effective security in the state.

He encouraged the public to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity in their areas to Amotekun or other security agencies. He emphasized the state government’s determination to protect the lives and property of the people.

State Police: The Way Forward

Adeleye also called on the federal government to approve the creation of state police, saying it was the only way to address the security challenges facing the country.

He said state police would allow each state to manage its own security affairs and deploy its resources according to its needs.

He said the current centralized security system was ineffective and inefficient, as it could not respond to the diverse and dynamic security threats in different parts of the country.

Adeleye explained that the state police would also enhance the cooperation and coordination among the various security outfits in the states, such as Amotekun, which he said had proven to be a viable and reliable security option.

He said the Ondo State Government was committed to supporting Amotekun and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state and the region.

He expressed optimism that the kidnapped pupils and staff members in Ekiti would soon regain their freedom and reunite with their families.

Source: Vanguard