House of Representatives member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Timehin Adelegbe, has revealed that the spate of kidnapping that ravaged the Ifon community in Ose Local Council Area of Ondo State was tackled with the deployment of vigilante groups.

The federal legislator disclosed that the measure will be replicated in other communities within the federal constituency to combat incessant cases of kidnappings and other crimes.

According to Adelegbe, who stated this while speaking with newsmen on the efforts towards making the constituency safe, the strategy paid off, which forced criminals to stay out of the community, which was once the den of kidnappers.

The lawmaker, who emphasised that farmers had been the target of kidnappers in the area, stated that he was able to equip the vigilante group with necessary logistics, particularly operational vans, to make their operations smooth.

He said, “When we realised that nowhere was safe again when kidnappers were abducting people incessantly, I decided to engage the Vigilante Group to help us fight the crime.

“I provided necessary logistics for them, including operational vehicles, so that they easily move to scenes of crime and do patrols of black spots in the community.

“Ever since they began to patrol, they arrested some of the kidnappers, and others ran away from the community, which they had earlier turned into their hideout.”

The two-term lawmaker explained that part of his effort to ward off criminals from the constituency is the construction of Ute/Okeluse Road, which was recently completed, saying it would be difficult for the criminals to operate along the road unlike before.

He also revealed that the 40-kilometre road connecting over 14 communities between Owo and Ute would be constructed, stating that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to lay asphalt on the road when the construction is completed.

Reeling out some of his projects, the lawmaker disclosed that he has constructed science laboratories at Emure Grammar School and Uso Grammar School to enhance the performance of the students of the schools in science subjects.

He said, “As the custodian of the mandate of the good people of Owo and Ose in the green chamber and as a high-ranking parliamentarian, having been elected twice into the same office, it has become imperative for me to give an account of my stewardship to my constituents in appreciation of the trust and confidence reposed in me.

“My commitment to infrastructural developments, poverty alleviation, skill acquisition, mega empowerment programmes, sports development, educational support through bursary awards to students, construction of blocks of classrooms, renovation of schools, and financial aid to market women and men is one that can be attested to by the good people of Owo and Ose.”