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Police in Oyo state have arrested some of the suspected kidnappers terrorizing motorists on Igboho-Igbeti road and some other parts of Oke-Ogun area of the state.
Reports said the suspects were arrested by a combination of members of the local vigilance group and policemen deployed to the area.
They were reportedly responsible for kidnapping some passengers on the road last week. They were said to have demanded ransom from their family members. There has been reports of similar kidnapping on the road before then.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the arrest.
The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police has since ordered a 24-hour patrol of Igboho-Igneti Road, assuring that motorists are now safe more than before.
The Chairman, Oorelope Local Government, Mr Samuel Okunlade, released a statement assuring residents in the area that the situation had been brought under control.
His words: “The untoward situation that took place in Igboho-Igbeti axis of the state recently has been brought under check. Igboho is now safe and there is no longer any cause for alarm. I call on traders and businessmen and women who come to Owode Market from all over the country and non-indigenes in the town to go about their businesses without fear.
“A joint effort between the police and our local vigilante has been paying off; we have made several arrests and the assailants are helping the police in their investigations.
“We appreciate the effort of our governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, for the proactive steps the government took in ensuring the security of lives in the affected local governments.”