Residents of Oda Town in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have apprehended a man suspected to be involved in kidnapping after he was allegedly disguising as a mentally ill person to evade detection.
According to reports, the suspect had been loitering for several days around Ogbe High School in the community, raising suspicion among locals who noticed his unusual and prolonged presence in the area. Concern heightened after residents recalled the recent disappearance of a child in Emiloro Community, also within Oda Town, barely two weeks earlier.
Eyewitnesses said community members confronted the man on Wednesday, leading to his apprehension. A video circulating on social media showed items allegedly recovered from him, including sweets, juice, clothing, a bag, shoes, a calabash, and a small cage. The footage also showed a charm reportedly tied around his waist.
In the video, residents were seen questioning the suspect, who initially resisted but later complied with instructions to remove his clothes. One resident claimed the man frequently hid in her shop late at night, further deepening suspicions about his activities.
When questioned about his identity, the suspect reportedly said he was from the Olofin area along Idanre Road and claimed to be in Oda Town in search of his younger brother. However, residents noted that he did not display any obvious signs of mental illness during interrogation.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, in Akure for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked anxiety within the community, with residents urging parents and guardians to closely monitor the movement of their children and remain vigilant as security agencies continue investigations.