No fewer than eight suspected members of a high-profile, serial kidnapping syndicate have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command at Omo Ijesa village.
The State Police Command, who disclosed this on Sunday in a statement issued by its spokesman, SP Opalola Yemisi, also informed that the arrest followed credible intelligence the command received.
Opalola explained that the suspects were involved in the kidnap of a 65-year-old, Akiishi Catherine in Benue State, thus forcing the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, to lead the operation.
According to her, “Prior to the arrest, Police investigations revealed that the suspects relocated to Osun State after the kidnap of the woman as a deceptive tactics to avoid arrest by the Police in Benue State.
“The suspects have also planned to use Osun State as a safe haven for the negotiation and collection of ransom even after murdering the woman in cold blood.”
The suspects are , Orikashima David, Teryange Demenogo, Terngu Tortindi, Anawuese Akough, Mbalumulum Kaorga, Comfort Terdoo, Michael Msendoo and Aondoaseer Terver, all Tivs from Benue State.
The suspects were said to have murdered the victim in Benue State before relocating to Osun State.
The force publicist added that the suspects revealed to the police team how they have murdered three other victims in their previous operations, adding that they would be handed over to the Benue State Police Command as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
Also reacting to the development,the police boss , Olokode lauded personnel of the command for a job well done, reassuring Osun citizens that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
He noted that the new policing vision of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, is already assisting the command in redefining its strategies toward combating crimes in the state.
