By Duchess Ifeoluwa 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo State has arrested two suspected rapists in separate incidents in Akure, raising fresh concerns over the safety of minors and the need for closer parental vigilance.

The State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into two separate cases involving minors in different parts of the state capital.

According to a statement issued on April 15, 2026, one Emeka Chidi Innocent, a 22-year-old farmer, was accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl in the SIB area of Igbatoro on March 3, 2026.

The suspect reportedly fled after the incident but was later tracked and apprehended in Idanre.

In a separate case, Ayodele John, a 38-year-old tiler, was alleged to have assaulted a 15-year-old girl in her parents’ residence along Oda Road, Akure.

The incident occurred on April 13, 2026, and the suspect was arrested the following day.

The NSCDC said both suspects have made confessional statements and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, noting that prosecution would serve as a deterrent to others.

The command expressed concern that in both cases, the suspects were known to the victims and their families, stressing the need for parents and guardians to exercise greater caution in engaging artisans and individuals who have access to their homes and children.

It urged members of the public to take personal responsibility for the safety of minors, warning against the practice of leaving children in the care of individuals without proper background checks.