Residents say continuous detention hreatens peace, security
By John Dike, Osogbo
Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently intervene and secure the release of the state’s Amotekun Corps Commander, Dr. Isaac Omoyele, who is currently being held by the Nigeria Police Force, warning that his continued detention could negatively affect peace and security across the state.
They warned that the continuous detection of the corps commander posed a serious threat to peace and security, hence there is need for the governor who is the cheif security officer of the state must intervene for over all interest of the people in the state.
The appeal followed an invitation extended to the Amotekun commander by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in connection with the Akinlalu community incident in Osun State, where three persons were killed during a security operation.
According to available reports, operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps had responded to a distress call from Akinlalu community over an alleged security breach.
During the operation, the operatives reportedly came under mob attack, and in the process, shots were allegedly fired, resulting in the death of three persons believed to be members of the same family.
Following the incident, the Nigeria Police Force commenced investigations, during which some Amotekun operatives allegedly involved in the shooting were arrested and taken into custody.
However, residents expressed surprise that Dr. Omoyele—who reportedly did not participate directly in the operation—voluntarily reported himself to the police high command in Abuja for clarification and cooperation, but has since remained in detention.
Speaking with our correspondent, several residents described the continued detention of the Amotekun commander as unnecessary and counterproductive, particularly at a time when the state requires heightened security presence due to the approaching Christmas and New Year festivities.
One of the residents, Kayode Adeniyi, alleged that the handling of the matter by police authorities in Abuja had taken a political dimension, claiming that some opposition elements were exploiting the situation to weaken the state-owned community security outfit.
“The way this case is being handled has raised serious suspicion. Those who allegedly fired the shots have been arrested, yet the commander who was not on the ground remains in detention. This gives room for political interpretation,” Adeniyi said.
He added that the absence of the Amotekun commander could affect the coordination, morale, and overall effectiveness of the outfit, especially during the festive season when crime rates often rise due to increased movement, commercial activities, and social gatherings.
“This is a critical period. Amotekun plays a vital role in supporting the police and other security agencies. Any disruption to its leadership at this time may expose communities to serious security risks,” he warned.
Another resident, Tunji Awoniyi, also condemned the continued detention of Dr. Omoyele, insisting that the Corps Commander neither fired any shot nor participated in the operation that led to the deaths.
“I am calling on the governor, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to do everything possible to secure his release. His continued detention in Abuja is threatening peace and security in the state,” Awoniyi stated.
Awoniyi further noted that the establishment of the Amotekun Corps across the South-West had contributed significantly to improved security in the region, particularly in rural communities where response time from conventional security agencies is often delayed.
He warned that weakening the Amotekun Corps through prolonged leadership uncertainty could embolden criminal elements and reverse the security gains recorded in recent years.
Many residents described Dr. Omoyele as a seasoned security professional whose leadership has strengthened the operational capacity of the Osun Amotekun Corps, improved discipline among operatives, and enhanced public confidence in community-based security.
They noted that since his appointment, the Corps has played a complementary role to the police and other security agencies in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality across Osun State.
As the Christmas and New Year celebrations draw closer, residents urged the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant stakeholders to handle the matter with urgency, fairness, and transparency in order to prevent tension and ensure that residents enjoy the festive season in peace.
They emphasized that while investigations into the incident at Akinlalu Community should continue without interference, justice must be pursued in a manner that does not undermine the state’s overall security architecture or erode public confidence in community-based security initiatives.
