By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have discovered a suspected kidnappers’ hideout concealed within an abandoned, unfinished building in Epinmi Akoko, located in Akoko South East Local Government Area. Inside the structure, officers found a deep underground pit believed to have been used to hold victims captive.
Two suspects, Arohunmolase Idowu (25) and Bada Tosin (26), both residents of Epinmi Akoko, were arrested in connection with the case and presented to the media by the State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi. The breakthrough, Afolabi said, was the result of credible intelligence and prompt action by local vigilantes and police.
According to the Commissioner, members of the Epinmi Vigilante Group detained Idowu after he was found wandering suspiciously during the night and was unable to provide a convincing explanation for his presence. Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Isua assembled a joint security task force that included officers from various agencies. Information gathered during the initial questioning led to the arrest of the second suspect, Tosin.
The suspects later guided security personnel to the hidden location in a remote part of the forest. A search of the premises uncovered a cache of weapons, including two locally made Dane guns, four cutlasses, four axes, assorted charms, and other dangerous items.
Most alarming was the discovery of a large pit inside the building, which investigators suspect was used to imprison abducted victims.
Commissioner Afolabi confirmed that the
suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation. He assured the public that updates will be provided as the case unfolds.
The revelation has heightened fears about increasing insecurity in the area, even as police authorities reiterated their resolve to eliminate criminal networks from the state.
