Osun: Kidnappers collect N10m to release church members; Amotekun Field Commander resigns
By Olajide Idowu
Osogbo, Jan. 20, 2023
The Baptist Conference in Osun said on Friday that N10 million ransom was paid to secure the release of four members of the church kidnapped on Jan. 11 and Jan. 16.
Two of the victims were kidnapped on Jan. 11, and N6 million had to be paid to secure their release.
The kidnappers, however, held the two farmers who took the ransom to them in Ileogbo town on Jan. 16, demanding more money.
The church said in a letter to Gov. Ademola Adeleke on Friday, that the remaining two victims were also released.
The letter, signed by President and Chairman of Osun Baptist Conference, Rev. Paul Kolawole and Rev. Sunday Ogundijo, appreciated the governor for the role he played in the release of the victims.
“On behalf of the Osun Baptist Conference, the Nigerian Baptist Convention and the entire Iwo Baptist Community, we write to sincerely appreciate your Excellency on the vital roles you played towards the rescue of four of our people who were kidnapped between Jan. 11 and 16, 2023.
“We will like to inform your Excellency that two people were released on Tuesday while the last two were just released today, Friday Jan. 20, even though with cumulative payment of ransom of N10 million,” they said in the letter.
The Police Spokesperson in the state, SP Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the release of the kidnap victims to newsmen but did not mention if any ransom was paid.
Meanwhile, Mr. Amitolu Shittu, has announced his resignation as the pioneer Director General and Field Commander of Osun Security Network Agency, locally known as Amotekun.
This is contained in a statement by Amitolu’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, on Friday in Osogbo.
Shittu said that the resignation letter was handed over to the office of the Secretary to the State Government on Friday.
He appreciated the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for the opportunity given him to serve the state.
Shittu also thanked the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, the state Chief Judge, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, Journalists and members of the corps for their support.
“I, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, hereby tender my resignation as the Field Commander, Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps today, Friday, 20th January 2023.
“I give thanks to God for giving me the strength to carry the responsibility of the agency from day one of my appointment as pioneer Director General and the first head of Amotekun in Osun.”
Shittu expressed gratitude to former governor Gboyega Oyetola for the confidence reposed in him and the unrestricted opportunity to contribute to the security of the state.
“Let it be on record that I served my state courageously, impartially and diligently, despite operational challenges thrown up by the enemy within the top hierarchy of the Corp due to military intrigues, vainglory and egoisticism.
“I never gave an excuse and I know posterity will be kind to our contributions,” he added.
The former commander said that the support of all stakeholders led to the successes recorded by the corps in the state.
“It is an honor for me to work with you all in fighting insecurity in Osun.
“Let me appreciate the men and women of the Corps, they are the heartbeat of the Amotekun operations, they own the successes recorded and I will forever be grateful to the diligent officers and men of Amotekun Corps, I thank you all,” Shittu said.
