The security collaborative efforts of Amotekun Corps in the south west have continued to record tremendous achievements as no fewer than 12 passengers were on Tuesday rescued by the operatives during a joint patrol along Akure/Ilesa road.
During the operation, the corps also recovered goods worth N50 million along the highway.
The Amotekun joint operatives it was gathered also rescued the driver of the bus, his conductor and ten other passengers in an 18-seater bus along the same route.
The bus was hauling goods from Lagos to Kaduna state before it was attacked by some gang of robbers.
The goods worth over 50 million naira were taken away by the robbers while the driver of the bus and the conductor took to their heels.
While briefing newsmen at the command’s Headquarters in Akure, the Ondo state capital, the Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye said the robbers escaped after engaging the Amotekun Corps in a gun duel.
“We got information of the operation that passengers travelling from Lagos were being robbed by armed robbers. When we got there, the driver of the J5 bus was no were to be found.
“The robbers abandoned the bus and ran into the forest.”
He said the driver of the bus and his conductor were rescued inside the forest.
He added:
“We had to start combing the bush after rescuing the other members of the bus. We checked till the following day when after awhile he was found 5 miles away from the location of the robbery attack.
“At the end of the day, we were able to retrieve the hijacked goods.
“On our way back, we found another set of people in an 18-seater bus and also rescued them from another set of armed robbers.
“We have contacted the owner of the goods and in no time, his goods would be sent back to him in Kano state.”
According to him, the Amotekun operatives were attracted to the scene by sporadic gunshots fired by the robbers into the air.
“This is part of Phase 7 of Operation Cleanup and to a word of assurance that anytime, any day, that the New year festivity would be criminal free.
“I would want to generally remind you that this operation is specifically for the yuletide season after which we will go back to the round table with all the security agencies in the state to fashion out new strategy to combat crime.
“Then we will see how we could be better because the exercise has actually exposed the kind of criminal activities that transpires by the day.
“That is why I have no choice now, than to sustain the ongoing 24 hours patrol on the road and also within the town.
“You will find out that virtually every junction is being manned by Amotekun personnel, NSCDC officials and the police.
“This is to further ensure that the security of the state guaranteed as far as we are concerned.
“There will continued to be zero tolerance for crimes in Ondo State”, he assured
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