•Armed Fulani herdsmen
A victim of kidnapping, 32-year-old Bisola Olisa from the Imeri community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has recounted her ordeal at the hands of suspected kidnappers who abducted her and four others.
Olisa told our correspondent that she was traveling from Ikare Akoko to Ado Ekiti when the armed men stopped their vehicle and ordered them into the bush, reports Nigerian Tribune.
She said her ordeal started when she boarded a bus and was ambushed by eight suspected kidnappers.
She said, “I was coming from Ikare, heading to Ekiti. On getting to Akungba, I boarded a vehicle from the garage; there were seven of us in the vehicle.
“At a certain spot, we started hearing gunshots from Fulani herdsmen. They stopped us immediately. A passenger beside me was shot dead, and they marched us into the bush, while some of us were injured.
“The kidnappers were many on the road, but as we moved into the bush, four of them led us, all carrying guns. We trekked throughout the night until the next morning when we reached a mountain where we sat down.
“They asked us to lie down, and the three of us obeyed for about 30 minutes. I realised they were no longer talking. I peeped to check if they were sleeping but saw only one of them; the other gang members were gone.
“I told him that I needed to defecate and escaped through the bush. On reaching the main road, I saw the Amotekun Corps, and they rescued me and took me to their main station.”
The state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, spoke on how the victim was rescued and mentioned that two culprits had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
Adeleye explained, “Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare, 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.
He added that the suspects would be profiled, and those who need to go to court will be taken to court, while the Corps will explore other means to ensure justice for the rightful owners of the stolen items.
He disclosed that 24 other suspects were arrested for various offenses by men of the Amotekun Corps, and said the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.
While parading the suspects, he said they were arrested for offenses including kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy and cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, malicious damage, theft of public property, breaking and entering, stealing, destruction of CCTV cameras, and burglary.
He said, “We paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable.
“Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.
“Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders. Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed.”
