A suspected kidnapper, whose identity is yet unknown, has been apprehended by residents of Oda Town in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State and handed over to the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, in Akure for thorough investigation.
The suspect, who allegedly pretended to be a mad man, stationed himself in front of Ogbe High School, where he reportedly stayed for about three days.
Residents became suspicious of his continued presence in the area and eventually confronted him on Wednesday.
This development came barely two weeks after a child in Emiloro Community, Oda Town, was declared missing, a situation that has heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
The incident has since triggered panic in the community, with residents calling on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, particularly regarding the movement of their children, especially younger ones.
In a viral video accessed by our reporter, sweets and juice were reportedly recovered from the suspect, alongside other items including a calabash, clothes, a bag, a cage and shoes, allegedly used to entice children. The video also showed a charm tied around his waist.
In the footage, residents were seen instructing the suspect to remove his clothes. He initially refused but later complied.
According to one of the residents featured in the video, she claimed she was informed that the suspected mad man usually hide in her shop around 10 p.m.
When asked where he came from, the suspect reportedly said he was from Olofin along Idanre Road, adding that he plays football in Olofin.
He also claimed that he was in Oda Town in search of his younger brother. However, during questioning, the suspect did not show any signs of mental instability.
Reacting to the incident during his Jumat sermon, the Chief Imam of Oda Town, Sheikh Musa Bolarinwa, appealed to parents to be cautious about their children’s movements and to avoid sending them on unnecessary errands, warning that kidnappers were now operating in the town.
Similarly, in a voice recording, the Chairman of Araromi Estate, Oda Town, Mr. K. Olanipekun, warned parents and guardians to desist from sending their children and wards on errands late at night to prevent possible abduction.
He explained that it could not yet be ascertained whether the suspect was responsible for the child who went missing in Emiloro Community two weeks ago
Ondo residents arrest madman over kidnapping fears
