Notorious burglar who specialises in robbing churches in Akure, nabbed
By Julius Alabi, Akure
A 35-year-old suspected serial burglar, identified as Oluwatosin Ayodele, has been apprehended in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after a series of coordinated efforts by local youths and security guards.
Ayodele, who was said to have terrorised several churches within the Akure metropolis, was caught around 7 a.m. on Wednesday after breaking into another worship centre. He was later handed over to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps.
Specialist in church break-ins
Ayodele and his gang have long been notorious for raiding churches, often armed with an axe used to force entry into buildings. Their main targets were electrical fittings, fans, and other valuables.
“We noticed suspicious movements inside the church that morning,” a source recounted. “By the time we got close, he had already removed all the electric fittings and had started dismantling the fans. We quickly mobilised the youths in the area to track him down.”
Dramatic chase before arrest
On sensing that people were closing in, the suspect reportedly scaled three different fences in a desperate attempt to evade capture. He eventually fled into the bush near Akure High School, where he was caught by security guards attached to the institution.
The guards immediately handed him over to the Amotekun Corps for further investigation and prosecution.
Residents breathe sighs of relief
Residents of the affected communities expressed relief over the arrest, noting that churches had been under siege from burglars for months. They commended the swift action of the youths, the school security, and Amotekun for bringing an end to Ayodele’s reign of terror.
