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The terrain of the locations being used as hideouts by kidnappers in Ondo State has been described as too clumsy and risky for policemen to navigate.
This was revealed by the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, while briefing newsmen on arrests made in connection with the kidnap of congregants at a church in Uso, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Friday in Akure, the state capital.
Disclosing that pregnant women were mostly abducted by the gunmen, the Police boss said his men went after the gunmen and had to swim to access the mountainous hideouts of the criminals.
He revealed that some of his men could not swim and had to wait on the other side of the river.
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”On forest combing, our men—including SWAT, Scorpion Squad, and surveillance teams—enter the forest regularly. Some of them cannot even swim, but they crossed rivers to reach these camps. The terrain is mountainous and covered by rivers.
“Criminals often position themselves on elevated ground to monitor movement. It is risky, but we must continue.
That was how we made some arrests previously. In one case, because we were close to their location, the kidnappers released a victim.”
Fielding questions from newsmen on the demand for procuring drone and other technological devices to tackle crimes in the state, the Commissioner of Police said the command would keep discussing with the state government and other stakeholders for support.
He said: “On technology, we are working towards acquiring drones. We have reminded the government and approached individuals who have assured us of assistance. But we will not wait for drones before acting. We will continue bush combing operations and take the battle to them.
”In some cases, suspects were arrested when they came out to buy food. That led to the arrest of some of the suspects you have seen here.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner disclosed that another victims of Idanre attacks who had been on danger list has died.
He said this has increased the number of casualties to three as the command had only confirmed two on the day the armed thugs struck.
However, the Police boss announced that 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday last week while All Progressives Congress (APC) was holding its Ward Congress, some persons were attacked and killed, while some, including Raphael Adetimehin, the younger brother of the state Chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, are on danger list in various hospitals in the state.
Adetimehin’s younger brother has been on life-support device ever since as he was hacked and stabbed by the thugs till he passed out.
Although the Commissioner didn’t mention the name of the new casualty.
