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Arrest two suspected kidnappers, drug peddlers
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a torture pit used by kidnappers in the state.
This is even as the command apprehended two suspected kidnappers said to be involved in the abduction of some innocent persons in the state.
The torture pit was discovered at a location in Epinmi Akoko, where the suspects were also arrested.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Ayankade Olushola, who confirmed the developments in a statement issued on Thursday, said the coordinated operation by the police and local security operatives led to the discovery of the torture pit and a cache of dangerous weapons.
The PPRO said the arrests were made on Wednesday after members of the Epinmi Vigilante Group apprehended one Arohunmolase Idowu, 25, who was found loitering suspiciously and could not explain his movements.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the PPRO stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Isua Akoko mobilised a joint security team comprising the police and operatives from sister agencies, which led to the arrest.
During preliminary interrogation, he said further intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, Bada Tosin, 26, who is also a resident of Epinmi Akoko.
“The breakthrough came when the suspects guided officers to a hidden building in the bush. A search of the location revealed an alarming stockpile of arms and weapons,” the PPRO disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected drug peddlers allegedly sponsoring cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the state.
The suspects, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who confirmed the arrest, were apprehended by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) of the state police command on Thursday.
He identified the suspects as Usman Bashir, 27, who hails from Kaduna State, and Usman Muhammad, 17, also from Kaduna State.
The PPRO informed that the two suspects were apprehended while transporting 51 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, each weighing approximately 9kg.
He disclosed that the exhibits have been recovered and secured as evidence, adding that the suspects are currently in custody and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader criminal network involved in the distribution of the illicit substances.