News
Family working as kidnap syndicate unmasked
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed the Amotekun Corps, have arrested a 56-year-old man and his three sons for allegedly operating a kidnapping syndicate in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were among 28 persons paraded by the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure on Tuesday.
Addressing journalists, Adeleye said the suspects allegedly abducted a traveller heading to Oba-Akoko, collected a ransom from the victim’s family, but refused to release him. He added that the kidnappers also warned the family against reporting the incident to security agencies.
According to the commander, the victim’s family eventually alerted the Amotekun Corps after the suspects failed to honour their promise, prompting the agency to launch a rescue operation.
Adeleye said intelligence gathered during the investigation led operatives to the family allegedly behind the abduction. He alleged that the father and his three sons disguised themselves as cattle rearers while carrying out kidnapping activities.
He disclosed that Amotekun operatives came under attack during the rescue mission but overpowered the suspects and successfully rescued the victim, who had sustained multiple machete and knife wounds during his captivity.
The commander said cash, drugs, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and other items allegedly used by the suspects were recovered during the operation.
He further revealed that one of the suspects, believed to be the gang leader, had been on the corps’ watchlist since 2024 over his alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping cases across the Northern Senatorial District of Ondo State.
According to Adeleye, the suspect fled the state following previous security operations but recently returned and allegedly coordinated the latest abduction.
Recounting his ordeal, the rescued victim, Oyebade Samuel, said he was attacked after his vehicle developed a mechanical fault along the Oba-Akoko Road.
Samuel alleged that four armed men emerged from the bush carrying guns, cutlasses and sticks, assaulted him, inflicted severe injuries and dragged him into the forest.
He said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million as ransom before reducing the amount to ₦1.6 million, which his family eventually paid.
Despite receiving the ransom and other items demanded, Samuel said the abductors refused to release him. He explained that his family subsequently reported the matter to the Amotekun Corps, whose operatives tracked the suspects to the ransom collection point, arrested them and rescued him.
The suspects are expected to be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected hired thugs obstructed his visit to Yelwata community in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a deadly attack.
Obi made the allegation in a statement following his arrival in Benue on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, saying he had travelled to the state on a humanitarian mission to commiserate with families affected by the killings.
According to him, he arrived in Benue at about 9:00 a.m. but his convoy was prevented from proceeding to the affected community by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi described the incident as distressing, stressing that his visit was not politically motivated but intended to mourn with the bereaved, listen to affected families and offer solidarity following the tragedy.
He said the obstruction was particularly troubling at a time when Nigerians should be united in grief and focused on preventing further loss of lives.
The former governor recalled that he had consistently promoted political civility, citing his attendance the previous day at the opening of the national campaign office of opposition presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.
He said his presence at the event was meant to demonstrate that political differences should not prevent mutual respect and civility.
Obi also recalled that while serving as governor of Anambra State, he personally welcomed visiting opposition members during election campaigns, provided their activities remained within the law.
He condemned what he described as efforts to deepen political divisions, insisting that Nigerians should be able to live, travel and farm without fear.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” Obi said.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of government was to protect human life, arguing that political considerations should never take precedence over the safety and security of citizens.
Although he could not reach Yelwata as planned, Obi said his thoughts and prayers remained with the victims, their families and the entire community.
He pledged to continue advocating for the protection of Nigerian lives, concluding with his familiar declaration: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
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