Amotekun Intercepts Truckload of Northerners, Guns, Cutlasses in Ondo Today
The Amotekun security outfit in Ondo has reported intercepting trucks carrying 149 men from the north, armed with guns, cutlasses, and bags of Indian hemp.
The interception occurred on Tuesday at a notorious location known for various cases of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery in the state, according to the local security outfit.
Commander Adetunji Adeleye of Amotekun disclosed the arrest of the suspects to journalists in Akure.
The apprehension followed a tip-off regarding the influx of individuals into the Ondo forest reserve.
“Majority of these people who claimed that they were coming into the state as hunters were arrested around the black spots where we have robbery operations and kidnapping in the local governments where they were nabbed,” said the commander.
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Mr Adeleye added, “They surprisingly and carefully concealed and kept their weapons, bags of Indian hemp and cutlasses under their vehicles and they claimed that they were coming from various parts of the country.”
The apprehension came amid worsening insecurity across the country, with recent killings and kidnappings in Ekiti and Kwara.
Mr Adeleye said, “The pertinent question we are asking them is why are they hiding their guns. If they are genuine hunters, why not come out openly?
“But one begins to wonder why they would come from the extreme parts of the country to hunt in a village, in a forest they have never been to before in Ondo state.”
The Amotekun commander emphasized that while Nigerians have the right to travel freely within the country, carrying weapons is not permissible.
He pointed out that as hunters, there was an expectation for consultations to understand their limitations. He emphasized that in Ondo forest reserves, hunters are required to register, ensuring that the government, local authorities, and fellow hunters are aware of their presence.
Expressing concerns, Mr. Adeleye suggested that the northern travelers might potentially be criminals, citing strong reasons to believe they could be involved in activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery, especially in remote areas and forest reserves within the state.
