DSS arrests 6-man kidnap syndicate in Ondo

The Department of State Service (DSS) on Monday paraded a nursing mother and five other members of a six-man kidnap syndicate in Ondo.

DSS Director in Ondo State, Mr Jonathan Kure, told newsmen that the group was deeply involved in the kidnapping of toddlers.

”They have been terrorising the state, kidnapping children between the ages of two and four years,” he said.

Kure said that the arrest of the kidnap syndicate was done in collaboration with the army.

He further said the arrest was in adherence to the Federal Government’s commitment towards fighting crime and violence.

”We launched a crackdown on the syndicate; the group is made up of young men and a nursing mother.

”The nursing mother is married to one of the members, she keeps weapons for them.

”This group has tormented many families, so we decided to launch a crackdown on them,” he said.

The director expressed the commitment of the DSS to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to tackle kidnapping.

Kure said that the suspects would be charged to court after full investigation on their activities.

Reports state that the DSS also presented laptops, locally-made guns and cash as items recovered from the group.

Speaking during the exercise, the Acting Governor of Ondo, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the state government was committed to protecting the lives and property of the residents.

Aiedatiwa urged residents of the state to always report suspicious movements around their environment to security agencies.

“Security is everybody’s business. If you notice anyone that is living above his means, report such person to the security agencies,” he said.