Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of some residents of Akinlalu community in Ife North Local Government Area by operatives of the Amotekun Corps.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Saturday, Adeleke expressed shock over the incident and directed that a high-powered delegation be sent to the community to uncover what led to the tragic deaths.
According to the statement, the governor received a preliminary report from his Special Adviser on Security Matters and subsequently convened a State Security Council meeting scheduled for Monday to deliberate on the incident and other emerging security threats in the state.
“I am a rule of law governor. This matter is being investigated, and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law,” Adeleke said.
“I have ordered a security council meeting on this incident and others, such as fears of spillover from Kwara banditry attacks. I urge the people of Akinlalu to remain calm as our government acts on the matter. I feel their pains, but investigations are ongoing.”
The governor added that the delegation, which would include key commissioners, advisers, and security chiefs, will visit the affected area after the meeting to assess the situation and engage community leaders.
Meanwhile, the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group loyal to former governor Rauf Aregbesola, has condemned the killings, describing them as “reckless and avoidable.”
In a statement signed by its Publicity and Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group accused the Amotekun operatives of “lawlessness and lack of professional restraint,” urging the state government to hold those responsible accountable.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this act of violence by those entrusted with the duty of protecting our people,” the statement read.
“It is disheartening that the Amotekun security outfit, created to safeguard lives and property, could descend into such indiscriminate violence. The Adeleke-led government must ensure that the culprits are identified and brought to book.”
The group also demanded adequate compensation for the victims and medical care for the injured, describing the loss of three members of one family as “a calamity that must not be swept under the carpet.”
Residents of Akinlalu, who spoke to journalists, alleged that Amotekun operatives stormed the community on Tuesday, shooting sporadically and killing three people, including two brothers from the same mother.
An eyewitness, Kamardeen Babarinde, said, “They came around noon and started shooting without provocation. Women and children ran for safety, but they shot unarmed residents. Three people died, and about ten others were injured. The victims include Oyebamiji Ibrahim, Ismail, and Olutayo Abiola.”
Another resident, identified as Jeleel, said the operatives arrived in three vans and opened fire on anyone they saw.
However, the Amotekun Corps, in a counter-statement by its spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, claimed that its operatives were ambushed by armed hoodlums while responding to a distress call from residents about suspected bandits invading farmlands in the area.
Yusuf said, “Our men were attacked while heading to Akinlalu, and two of their rifles were taken away. When reinforcement arrived, the assailants opened fire, leading to a gun duel. Three people died in the process, including some of the attackers.”
He added that firearms, security uniforms, and berets were recovered from the suspects’ hideout.
The Osun State Police Command has also launched an investigation into the incident.
Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that some Amotekun operatives linked to the killings had been identified and would face justice.
“We met with representatives of the affected community, and investigations are ongoing. Some of the operatives involved have been identified, and those on the run will be apprehended,” Ojelabi assured.
