South-West security outfit codenamed Amotekun has launched ‘Operation Safe-ground,’ to tackle the resurgence of crimes in Ondo State.
The outfit also paraded some suspects.
Speaking in Akure at the launch of the exercise, State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye lamented that miscreants and criminals have taken over the main cities.
Adeleye said criminals burgle people’s houses and make away with their valuables whenever they go to church on Sundays and when they go to work.
According to him, “The complaint became unbearable in the last three weeks and this prompted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to direct that ‘Operation Safe-ground’ be commissioned.
“The importance of ‘Operation Safe-ground’ is a resurgence of how we started.
”I want you to recall that the security situation was at a sorry state about three years ago and by the grace of God, support of the government and the good people of the state, we were able to bring it to a reasonable level, where people can do their businesses without being molested and sleep with their two eyes closed.
“In recent times, these miscreants have taken over the town again. I agree that we drove them out of the forest and we will continue to do so.
“However, the governor has directed that we flush them out completely from the state and that is why we are launching ‘Operation Safe-ground.’
Speaking on the suspects paraded, the commander said “we have a cross-section of criminals arrested across the state. We have 48 suspected criminals and all of them have confessed to the various crimes.
Adeleye noted that “in view of the forthcoming Ileya festival, the corps will deploy 1,000 men across the state, especially at the borders, prayer grounds, markets and others to guarantee safety of lives and properties.”
