By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has identified operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps allegedly involved in a violent incident in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area, which left at least three people dead and several others injured.
Confirming the development, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said the Amotekun operatives involved had been identified, while others remain on the run. He promised that all responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
He said, “We met with the affected people in the community, and they have given us their statements. We are still investigating.
“Some of the suspects have been identified. Many of them are on the run, but we will get them unless they leave Osun State.”
He added that the investigation would be thorough and unbiased, and confirmed that police had already engaged with community leaders as part of efforts to ensure accountability and justice.
According to local sources, the incident occurred on Tuesday when Amotekun operatives reportedly stormed the community without warning and opened fire on residents,
One of the Community members said that four people were killed, while about 12 others sustained gunshot wounds. The police, however, confirmed three fatalities.
The killings have sparked outrage, particularly from Mr. Oyebamiji, a grieving father who reportedly lost his three children in the incident. He firmly rejected claims that the victims were criminals.
“My children were not criminals. They were not involved in any violence. Amotekun killed innocent people,” he said.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amotekun spokesperson Idowu Yusuf said the operatives were responding to a distress call when they were allegedly ambushed by suspected hoodlums, who forcibly took three rifles from them.
According to the Corps, the situation escalated into a confrontation that resulted in the fatalities.
However, community residents maintain that the area was peaceful prior to the operatives’ arrival and insist the shootings were unprovoked.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has also condemned the killings.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Mr. Kola Olabisi, the party called for a thorough investigation and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“This senseless killing is unacceptable. We urge the relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to book,” the statement said.
Adeleke orders full investigation of Akinlalu killings, vows justice
