Usman Garuba, an alleged notorious leader of a kidnap syndicate operating within the border villages of Akure North LGA in Ondo, has set ablaze a community.

Mr Garuba, 54, set the community on fire after the dwellers resisted him following his earlier kidnapping of nine victims for ransom, said Amotekun Corps in Ondo. 

Amotekun commander Adetunji Adeleye announced the arrest of Mr Garuba, who had been allegedly terrorising Ondo residents, especially travellers in Ondo. 

Mr Adeleye said the accused was arrested at Ala Dada-Ago Oyinbo axis.

“The kidnap kingpin (Garuba) had successfully kidnapped nine persons and collected ransom from their families for their release before his eventual arrest. Even when the villagers in one of the communities along his axis of operations resisted him, Garuba fought them and returned at midnight with his gang, razed their shelters and ran away.

“But our gallant officers, who had been keeping an eagle eye, stormed his hideout, and he was subsequently arrested with five other members of the gang,” the Amotekun commander said. 

According to Mr Adeleye, the suspect was also among two others previously convicted and jailed for different crimes in Ondo. 

Items found in the possession of Mr Garuba and his gang included single-barrel guns, bullets, amulets, and cash, among other things, said Mr Adeleye.