Man suspected of luring children apprehended in Akure

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Residents of Oda Town in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have apprehended a man suspected of attempting to lure children after allegedly posing as a mentally unstable person in the community.

The suspect, whose identity has not been established, was arrested near Ogbe High School after residents grew wary of his continued presence in the area.

Community sources said the man had been around the location for about three days before he was confronted and handed over to the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun Corps) for investigation.

The arrest came amid heightened tension in Oda Town following the disappearance of a child in Emiloro Community about two weeks earlier.

A video circulating online showed items allegedly recovered from the suspect, including sweets, juice, a calabash, clothing, and other personal effects believed to have been used to entice children.

Residents were also seen questioning the man in the footage, with some noting that he did not display signs of mental illness despite claiming otherwise.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly told residents that he was from the Olofin area along Idanre Road and had come to Oda Town in search of his younger brother.

Reacting to the incident, the Chief Imam of Oda Town, Sheikh Musa Bolarinwa, urged parents to closely monitor their children’s movements, while community leaders warned against sending minors on errands late at night.