A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Saturday evening in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area in Ondo State, causing widespread panic. The incident occurred around 6:30 pm in the Soka area, following the tanker’s veering off the road into a ditch. Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker immediately ignited, engulfing the area in thick smoke that significantly reduced visibility and led to heavy traffic congestion. Samuel Ibitoye, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ondo State, confirmed the incident during a phone interview with Channels Television. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. In a related tragic event in the same community, three police officers and a suspect lost their lives in an auto crash on Thursday. The crash occurred when a trailer, reportedly speeding, crossed the road’s median and collided with a police van carrying the officers and the suspect. According to eyewitness accounts, the officers from the Monitoring Unit of the Ondo State Police Command had traveled from Akure to Ore to make an arrest. Sadly, four officers were involved, three of whom died on the spot. One officer survived with injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The deceased individuals’ remains were deposited at a mortuary in Ore. The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the accident, describing it as a deeply unfortunate incident. She extended condolences to the victims’ families and announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has arrested a security guard, Sule Gende, for faking his own kidnapping and demanding a hefty ₦50 million ransom from his employer at a rubber plantation in Edo State. Details of the ArrestChief Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of Amotekun, revealed the arrest during the parade of 22 suspected criminals in Akure. Alongside Gende, two accomplices were also apprehended in connection with the crime. According to Chief Adeleye, Gende orchestrated his “kidnap” and hid in a residence located in Ondo State’s Southern Senatorial District. The property belonged to his accomplice, a 19-year-old friend and fellow security guard, James Lisbon. Confessions and InvestigationDuring interrogation, Lisbon admitted to providing shelter for Gende, claiming he was misled into believing that Gende was on his way to Benue State. Lisbon disclosed that Gende supported their upkeep by giving him ₦10,000 on two occasions. The case unraveled when the rubber plantation’s management reviewed CCTV footage that showed Gende being abducted by alleged gunmen. Shortly after, the “kidnappers” contacted the company, initially demanding ₦50 million before reducing the ransom to ₦15 million during negotiations. When the Department of State Services (DSS) could not trace the suspects, the company sought help from the Amotekun Corps. Through strategic efforts, Amotekun successfully tracked down and arrested the culprits at their hideout. Legal Actions and CollaborationChief Adeleye confirmed that the suspects would be handed over to the DSS in Edo State to ensure proper prosecution. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration to maintain law and order. Heightened Security for the Festive SeasonTo bolster security during the yuletide season, Amotekun has deployed 1,200 personnel to strategic locations and crime-prone areas across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas. Chief Adeleye assured residents and visitors of robust safety measures. “In a few days, you will notice Amotekun personnel at key spots across the state. Our collaboration with other security agencies ensures effective crime prevention,” he stated. Additionally, the commander announced the start of the annual 24/7 joint border patrol between Ondo and Osun States to safeguard travelers during the festive period. “Amotekun remains committed to protecting lives and property throughout the holiday season,” Adeleye affirmed. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
