Ondo: Amotekun Returns House To Landlady Ejected For Six Months By Suspected Herders

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun security corps in Ondo state has arrested some herders that forcefully ejected a landlady from her house and occupied the property.

State commandant of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed in Akure on Wednesday that the herders occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing and resting ground for over a thousand cows.

Briefing newsmen on recent activities, the commandant explained that “In a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, herders allegedly drove a homeowner out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.

“Despite multiple appeals to vacate the premises, the herders refused to leave, forcing the homeowner to abandon her property.

“Acting on credible intelligence, Amotekun operatives conducted a dawn raid, finding cows grazing and resting in the woman’s sitting room and bedroom. One herder, identified as Umoru, was arrested, and several cows were confiscated.

“We have ensured that the house is now free from illegal occupation, and the rightful owner can return to live peacefully without fear,” the Commander assured.

The corps, in a bid to enforce the anti-open grazing law and address rising crime in Ondo State, also apprehended seven suspects linked to various offences, including farmers-herders clashes, burglary, car theft, and motorcycle dismantling.

He also urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety.

The Commander disclosed that two individuals were apprehended for infringing on the anti-open grazing law, with one incident in the Northern Senatorial District and another in the Central District.

“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders.

“On a broader note, the Amotekun Corps has been engaging the Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to prevent further clashes with farmers.

“However, enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains a priority as the Corps intensify efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods.”

On cases of theft, the Commander detailed the activities of a car theft syndicate dismantled by the Corps.

“The group, led by a kingpin named Hassan, used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles. Their modus operandi involved parking stolen cars at clubs or recreational centres to avoid detection by law enforcement. Hassan was arrested after attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux in Ore.

“Security guards raised the alarm, leading to a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives. Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off.”

The Corps also arrested a suspect, Rabi Waliu, who specialises in dismantling stolen motorcycles.

“Waliu’s gang reportedly attacks motorcycle riders with heavy objects, dispossessing them of their bikes before dismantling them overnight.

“Two other suspects were apprehended for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from parked cars, particularly at mechanical workshops. Another suspect, Samuel, was arrested for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.

The Commander praised the role of actionable intelligence in the success of these operations. “We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public.”

Among those paraded were Ibrahim, 25, arrested in Isua Akoko for violating the anti-open grazing law; Bulude, apprehended in Ijigba, Akure, for burglary; and Hassan, the notorious car theft kingpin.

Others were Waliu, the motorcycle thief; two suspects involved in stealing vehicle parts; and Samuel, who stole air conditioners.