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BOLU-OLU ESHO
Vigilantes and youths have arrested a suspect that had been looting church property in Akure High area of Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old suspect, simply identified as Oluwatosin Ayodele, was apprehended after a series of coordinated efforts by youths and security guards in the axis.
Ayodele, who was said to have been terrorizing several churches within the Akure metropolis, was caught around 7 a.m. on Wednesday after breaking into another worship centre.
He was later handed over to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that Ayodele and his gang had long been raiding churches, often armed with an axe used to break into buildings. Their main targets were electrical fittings, fans, and other valuables.
One of the eyewitnesses, who preferred anonymity, said: “We noticed suspicious movements inside the church that morning. By the time we moved close, we discovered that he had already removed all the electric fittings and had started dismantling the fans.
“We quickly mobilised the youths in the area to track him down.
“Sensing that people were closing in, the suspect reportedly scaled three different perimeter fences in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
“He eventually fled into the bush near Akure High School, where he was caught by security guards attached to the school.
“The guards immediately handed him over to the Amotekun Corps for further investigation and prosecution.”
Following the arrest of the suspect, residents of the affected communities heaved a sigh of relief, noting that churches had been under siege of burglars for months.
They, therefore, commended the swift action of the youths, the school security, and Amotekun for apprehending the suspect.