Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, have apprehended a family of five that specialises in breaking into shops and houses to steal food items.

John Agbor (42), his wife, Mary Avor (38), and their three sons were arrested after stealing bags of rice from an orphanage in Shagari Village in Akure, the state capital.

While presenting the suspects at the headquarters of Amotekun Corps in Alagbaka, Akure, John, who was the security guard at the orphanage, stated that the children in care at the orphanage urged him to steal the rice on the condition that he would give them money.

The Corps Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, who has just been reappointed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stated that John was apprehended along with his wife and children after investigations revealed that they were all involved in the crime.

He said: “We have a family that specialises in breaking into houses comprising the husband, the wife, and the children. A family of robbers.

“We also have three minors who belong to the family. For obvious reasons, we are not going to present the minors. They are aged between 12 and 15. We are showcasing the father, mother, and two boys among the five children because two of them are minors. They stole the bags of rice from an orphanage in Shagari Village in Akure.”

Meanwhile, the corps also presented 20 suspects involved in various crimes across the state.

The Corps Commander disclosed that the Amotekun Rangers, a unit of the formation that specialises in surveilling the forest reserves in the state, have combed the Elegbeka forest, notorious for kidnapping, adding that five kidnapping attempts were thwarted and nine victims were rescued.

Adeleye said: “The kidnapping suspect we have is a 28-year-old Usman Abubakar, who was arrested in Igbo Oba, Owo. He confirmed collecting N2 million from the suspect and explained how they shared it, and he informed us how to trace their godfathers.

“The Amotekun Rangers, launched by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently, have penetrated the forest, and substantially within the week under review, we were able to thwart five kidnapping attempts. We managed to rescue nine victims, meaning that the kidnapping attempts failed.

“The notorious area of Elegbeka has been targeted, and we are pleased to say that the Amotekun Rangers have infiltrated the entire forest surrounding Elegbeka to ensure the safety of commuter lives and property of the local population.

“In the coming weeks, we plan to dominate Ala, Ago-Oyibo, Ogbese, Jugbere, and other forests.”

Adeleye, who assured the residents of the state and investors of a secure environment for life and property, cautioned that people should not purchase second-hand items without asking for genuine receipts.

“I want to emphasise that Ondo State is very, very safe for commuters, indigenes, and individuals conducting genuine businesses.

“Please don’t buy second-hand products without obtaining the original verifiable receipt of purchase. Due to the downturn in the economy, many economic breaches are occurring. Please don’t fall prey to these criminals.”