By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police boss, CP Mohammed Gotan, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of three persons and the injury of several others during a violent incident at Akinlalu community.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s spokesman, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the police received a report from one Chief Oyebamiji Kamorudeen of Akinlalu, alleging that operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, stormed the community in large numbers on Tuesday.
Chief Kamorudeen claimed that the Amotekun operatives arrived in two official patrol vehicles and one private vehicle, allegedly in retaliation for the earlier snatching of two pump-action rifles from their personnel by unidentified individuals.
“During the invasion, the operatives reportedly fired sporadically, resulting in serious bullet injuries to three persons: Kadijat Adeagbo (female, 22), Oyebamiji Oke-Ila (female, 60), and Toheeb Fayomi (male, 19). It was further alleged that three individuals — Ibrahim Oyebamiji (male, 26), Sefiu Oyebamiji (male), and Abiola Olutayo (male) — were killed in the process, and their corpses were taken away by Amotekun operatives,” the statement read.
Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the area, recovered thirteen expended cartridges, and evacuated the injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment. The initial tension in the community was brought under control, as officers intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
In a separate statement, the Amotekun Corps provided a conflicting account. According to them, their operatives were responding to a distress call from residents when they were ambushed by armed hoodlums. During the ambush, two service rifles were allegedly snatched.
Amotekun further claimed that their reinforcement team came under heavy gunfire at a barricaded junction leading into Akinlalu. A fierce exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted over an hour, during which three suspected attackers were said to have been killed. The Corps also stated that arrests were made and the stolen rifles were recovered from a nearby hideout.
Given the conflicting narratives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo — the apex investigative body in the state — for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
“All claims and counterclaims — including allegations of murder, assault occasioning harm, gun snatching, wounding, and impersonation — will be thoroughly verified to establish the facts and ensure justice is served,” the statement emphasized.
The Command has urged residents of Akinlalu and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding. Tactical teams have been reinforced in the area to maintain peace and prevent any further escalation.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and upholding the rule of law. Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
