The Ondo Command of the Western Nigeria Security Network, commonly known as Amotekun, has apprehended a family of seven for alleged involvement in serial looting, including the theft of bags of rice from an orphanage home.
The suspects, identified as 42-year-old John Avor, his wife Mary Avor, 38, and their five children, were reportedly caught engaging in a string of burglaries targeting food items in the state.
Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed the arrest at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to Adeleye, the family had been operating as a coordinated unit, looting food supplies from various locations, including orphanages and homes.
“We have a family that specialises in breaking into houses, comprising the husband, wife, and their children—a family of robbers,” Adeleye stated.
He added that while two of the children, aged 15 and 12, were paraded alongside their parents, three others were minors and would not be publicly paraded.
The family was arrested following the theft of multiple bags of rice from an orphanage in Shagari village, Akure.
Adeleye detailed that the Avor family had also looted another building in the same area, which belonged to a pensioner, leaving the property empty overnight.
“Their mode of operation involves breaking into homes and carting away food items, especially bags of rice. They even targeted an orphanage,” Adeleye said.
He emphasized that the Amotekun corps was committed to ensuring the safety of residents and had zero tolerance for criminal activities.
During interrogation, John Avor, who works as a gateman, admitted to the crime but blamed his actions on external influences.
He claimed that his involvement in the looting was driven by the devil. In a surprising turn, Avor also alleged that children from the orphanage aided in the theft of the rice, under the promise that he would sell the stolen goods and purchase items for them.
This arrest has sparked discussions on the rising trend of food theft in the state, particularly with the involvement of entire families in criminal activities.
The Amotekun Corps has vowed to intensify its patrols and investigations to prevent further incidents of this nature. Meanwhile, the suspects are expected to be handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by local security agencies to curb crime and maintain law and order in the region. With food theft becoming a growing concern, especially among vulnerable populations, authorities are calling for increased vigilance and community cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the socio-economic challenges faced by many families in the country, which often lead to desperate acts.
However, the law enforcement agencies have reiterated that such challenges should not serve as a justification for crime.
The investigation is still ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
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