Suspected Ekiti armed Fulani kidnappers arrested

By Bello Olu-Sanusi

A team of Ekiti security men including police and members of Amotekun Corps have arrested suspected Fulani kidnappers believed to have masterminded a string of kidnappings in Itapaji,an ancient city located in Ajoni Local Government Development Area of Ekiti State.

Three young men, two of them in their teens were arrested after an alright raid of the forests which stretched from the city to Kwara and Kogi States.

Competent sources told Irohinoodua that the men were picked up around Ikoro located near Egbe in Kogi State.

They were subsequently taken to the Palace of the traditional ruler of the town, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdullazeez Adebanjo

Within seven days, the armed Fulani men operated in Itapaji unhindered. They killed a youth, Wasiu Omotoyinbo before kidnapping Pastor and Mrs Emmanuel who were ministering at a night vigil in the city.

Few days later, they pounced on a farm owned by Pastor Tunde Afe. They kidnapped three people, an engineer and two others among who was the junior brother of Pastor Tunde.

“We acted on intelligence. It took us some time to monitor the suspects and their operational methods around the town. They usually pretend to be traders or cattle menders. They have phones. Once they notice anyone considered to have a little money or influence, they begin to monitor and then plan their kidnapping strategy” an official of Amotekun who does not wish to be named told our correspondent.

Irohinoodua was informed that the suspects will be prosecuted in Ekiti Court in the next few days while investigation continues.