Ondo Amotekun Promises Crime Free “Ember Months”

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has said that officers and men are combat ready to curtail activities of hoodlums during ember months.

Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security Network, made this known in Akure on Wednesday during the parade of 11 suspects arrested for various crimes in the state.

Adeleye, who said the corp had commenced 2023/2024 Ember Border Patrol activities, explained that six of the suspects were caught with locally-made weapons.

According to him, some of the weapons were cut to size or long range, and this development is seen as their own way of preparing to destabilize innocent residents and commuters in Ondo State.

“We are determined to make this act of theirs impossible and we are sending this message to them and anybody planning to forment trouble during this yuletide, that it is not business as usual again.

“Our men will be deployed in all blackspots that have been observed in Ondo State, especially Akure. Our patrol vehicles will be in 24 hour basis throughout this period.

“In collaboration with other security agencies, we are determined to reduce to the barest minimum all acts of criminal activities ranging from kidnapping, shop or house breaking.

“You will recall that last year, we were able to rescue over 100 kidnapped or robbed people, but for this year’s patrol, we are ready to do more and we thank the people and ask for more support this year.”

The commander also said the ban of commercial motorcycles from 6pm to 6am, is still in force as put in place by the government, but would not affect motorcycles on essential duties.

He revealed that 20 cases of commercial motorcyclists killed and their motorcycles stolen was recorded in the last three weeks, hence it was risky to ride motorcycles in the night.

“We want to appeal to commercial motorcyclists to go and rest if they work for 12 hours so that we can identify the criminal entities.

“It is also no longer permitted for vehicles to ply the road without registration numbers, and all vehicles with tinted glass should obtain Police permit for them.

“Dealers should use dealer numbers and not stickers because all vehicles with stickers only will be impounded. These are some measures we put in place to guarantee safety of lives and properties in Ondo State.”