By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, on Thursday, paraded three suspected cattle rustlers terrorizing communities in the state.
While parading the suspects before journalists at the NSCDC command in Osogbo, the state Commandant of the corps, Mr Phillip Ayodele said the suspects where arrested based on complains from residents and leader of the community where they were operating.
He said the suspects, who invaded the state, were reported to be stealing livestock and invading farmlands in Onikoyi Farm Settlement areas, before they were arrested.
According to Ayodele, “we got information that some strange persons armed with dangerous weapons were operating and terrorising residents at Onikoyi Farm Settlement, Kuta in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun.
“Based on the complaints and intelligence gathering of NSCDC officers, three suspected cattle rustlers were apprehended at about 5:30am on Thursday, at their hideout, while two of the gang members managed to escape.
“Investigation is still however being carried out on the arrested suspects while we are also on the trail of those that escaped.” he said
The state Commandant said five Dane guns, several local bullets, a local dagger and series of charms were recovered from the suspects when they were apprehended.
He said the arrested suspects claimed they are hunters, but that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects: Abu Hamisu, 35, Suleiman Musa, 45 and Aliru Lawali, 42, were all from Zamfara, with no affiliation to the Fulani community in the state.
“We have an understanding with the Fulani community and cattle rearers that they should update us with names and identity of new members coming into the state and they said those arrested were not known to them.
He said it was illogical for persons from Zamfara to invade a community and said they came to Osun to be hunting animals and call on the people of the state to be more vigilant.
He said security was the responsibility of all and sundry and therefore urged the public to always report suspicious movement and persons to security agents so as to nib crime in the bud and apprehend criminal
