The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed “Amotekun Corps” says it has apprehended some suspects in connection with the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
The state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, on Thursday, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.
He, however, did not give the actual number of the suspects arrested but expressed assurance that all the attackers of the worship center would be apprehended
The suspected terrorist invaded the church on June 5, killing no fewer than 40 people and injuring many other worshippers.
The state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had said he would do everything to make those behind the attack are brought to book.
Adeleye spoke about the arrest while parading 71 men who were arrested for various criminal activities across the state.
He said, “As regards the Owo incident, we have recovered the last vehicle they used for that operation and we made some arrests and we have also recovered some vital things which we are working on.
“A number of people have been arrested concerning the Owo issue as well as a number of equipment. On that day, we pursued them to the point that we recovered the vehicle and we are still pursing them.
“We have told you that until we get to the root, I can assure you that the perpetrators and their sponsors will be brought to book.”
On the 71 suspects paraded, Adeleye explained that the suspects were arrested within the last one month for various offences including armed robbery, cattle rustling, kidnapping, rape and human trafficking.
He added, “The 71 suspects were picked while committing offences and others were tracked to their hideouts in the forests. We have been able to get a cartel that specialises in stealing and dismantling motor bikes which we all know as okada. Also we were able to recover over 50 bikes during the operation from these criminals.
“We also got reports from some herdsmen that their cattle were stolen. We went after them and brought the cows back to the herdsmen.
“We have a group of small boys who are under 18 years that turned themselves into a cartel of criminals in a particular local government in Ondo State and armed themselves. They actually belong to a cult group called ‘Agbado’. We were able to arrest 12 out of the 17 members.
“We have about three to four suspected kidnappers and we intend to take most of these suspects, especially the ones we have concluded their investigations, to the Director of Public Prosecution and for their onward prosecution in court.”
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