Residents of Oda Town in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have apprehended a man suspected of involvement in kidnapping after he allegedly pretended to be mentally unstable in the community.

The suspect, whose identity has yet to be established, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday and handed over to operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, in Akure for investigation.

According to residents, the man had been stationed in front of Ogbe High School in Oda Town for about three days, a situation that raised suspicion among community members.

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

Findings showed that fear had spread across the community, prompting residents to be more vigilant and to caution parents against allowing children to move around unsupervised.

A viral video seen by our correspondent showed items allegedly recovered from the suspect, including sweets, juice, a calabash, clothes, a bag, a cage and shoes, which residents claimed could be used to lure children. A charm was also seen tied around his waist.

In the video, residents were heard questioning the suspect about his activities in the area. Although he initially resisted instructions to change his appearance, he later complied. Observers noted that he did not display signs associated with mental illness during the interaction.

One of the residents in the footage alleged that the suspect usually hid in her shop at night, while the man reportedly told those questioning him that he was from Olofin along Idanre Road and had come to Oda Town in search of his younger brother.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Imam of Oda Town, Sheikh Musa Bolarinwa, during his Jumat sermon, urged parents to closely monitor their children and avoid sending them on unnecessary errands, warning that criminal elements were now operating in the area.

Similarly, the Chairman of Araromi Estate, Oda Town, Mr. K. Olanipekun, in a voice message circulated within the community, advised parents and guardians to stop sending children on errands late at night, noting that investigations were ongoing and it had yet to be confirmed whether the suspect was linked to the missing child in Emiloro Community.