11 months ago
The law enforcement authorities in Ogun State have announced the apprehension of a member of a criminal gang involved in kidnapping and child trafficking. The arrested individual, identified as Tayo Adeleke, is currently undergoing interrogation regarding his involvement in a recent attempt to abduct children in Omu Pempe community, located in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to reports, Adeleke and his gang specialize in kidnapping children with the intention of selling them in the neighboring Benin Republic. The incident in question occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, where the suspects, armed with a motorcycle, targeted the Baptist church in Omu Pempe around 2:00 am. Their objective was to abduct children from the church and traffic them for sale across the border.
Fortunately, the attempt was thwarted, and Adeleke is now in police custody. The arrest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the police, the So-Safe Corps, and local vigilante groups in the community. However, two accomplices managed to evade capture by escaping through the nearby bush.
Ogun State police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest and shared insights gained from Adeleke during the interrogation. Adeleke reportedly confessed that they had a syndicate dedicated to kidnapping children and selling them in the Republic of Benin. The police are now intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal group.
Odutola emphasized the evolving tactics of kidnappers, noting a shift towards operating within communities due to increased law enforcement presence on highways. In response, she urged traditional rulers and community leaders to establish internal security measures, such as monitoring entry and exit points, to assist law enforcement. The public was also encouraged to provide information about strangers in their communities to enhance overall security.
Acknowledging the potential threat, Odutola reassured the public that the Ogun State Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Abiodun Alamutu, remains committed to eliminating criminal elements from the state. The call to action emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding lives and property, with the hope that such collaborative efforts will prevent future criminal activities.
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