The Ondo State Government has launched the Amotekun Rangers, a new unit aimed at tackling the persistent killings and kidnappings of farmers in the state’s border communities and forests.
The Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, announced this while parading nine suspected criminals in Akure.
Adeleye stated: “The training of Amotekun Forest Rangers, known as ‘Amot Rangers’, has commenced, as directed by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and they will be deployed to strategic locations.”
He assured residents: “The new unit will focus on addressing the current security threats posed by the influx of criminals, especially in the forests.”
Adeleye explained: “The new unit was established in line with the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation and Ranches Establishment Law of 2021 (as amended). The law mandates Amotekun Corps to oversee and enforce peaceful relationships between farmers and herders, and inhabitants of the forests.”
Regarding the new unit, Adeleye said: “In view of Mr. Governor’s directive, we are immediately establishing six major control points for a special unit of the Amotekun Corps that is coded ‘Amot Rangers’. The ‘Amot Rangers’ will live and stay in the forests to control the excesses of these miscreants causing trouble in Ondo State.”
He added: “These six control points cut across the troubled borders around Edo, Kogi, Kwara, and Ekiti states.”
Adeleye also mentioned that two of the paraded suspects were arrested for attempting to kill private security guards during a robbery operation, while the others were caught for snatching commercial motorcycles.
