The Osun State Police Command has commenced a full investigation into the alleged killing of three residents by operatives of the Amotekun Corps during an operation in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses and residents accused the security operatives of storming the community, opening fire indiscriminately, and later taking away the bodies of the deceased.
According to locals, the incident left at least four people dead and about 10 others injured, who were rushed to hospitals in Ipetumodu, Gbongan, and Yakooyo for treatment.
A resident, Kamardeen Babarinsola, said the violence followed a dispute involving suspected cocoa thieves who had earlier been apprehended by villagers.
He explained that Amotekun personnel had attempted to take custody of the suspects on Monday, but an altercation ensued.
“During that incident, one of the suspected thieves and an Amotekun operative were injured. The matter was resolved the following morning after a meeting with the youth leader,” Babarinsola stated.
“But in the afternoon on Tuesday, between 12 and 1pm, Amotekun men returned to Akinlalu and shot sporadically. Women, children and youths they saw on the road were shot. Instead of going to the house of those involved in the Monday incident, they attacked everyone they saw.
“About 14 people were shot, and four later died. The operatives hurriedly left the scene, then returned to forcibly take away those critically injured. All the four eventually died, including two brothers. Those killed are Oyebamiji Ibrahim, Sefiu Oyebamiji, Desmond and Abiola Olutayo,” he added.
Another eyewitness, Jeleel, corroborated the account, claiming the operatives arrived in three vans and opened fire on unarmed civilians.
“They shot at people without provocation. We have reported to the police in Ipetumodu and we want those involved to be identified and punished,” he said.
In its official response, the Osun State Police Command confirmed the deaths and promised a thorough investigation. Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command received a report from one Oyebamiji Kamorudeen, who alleged that Amotekun personnel invaded the community in retaliation for two pump-action guns previously seized from them.
“During the invasion, they shot sporadically which caused serious bullet injuries. It was further alleged that three persons lost their lives during the shooting and their corpses were taken away by Amotekun operatives,” Ojelabi stated.
He added that police recovered 13 expended cartridges at the scene, evacuated the wounded to nearby hospitals, and restored calm to the area.
“All claims and counterclaims — including allegations of murder, assault, gun snatching, wounding and impersonation — will be carefully investigated to ensure justice,” he assured.
However, the Amotekun Corps denied intentionally targeting civilians. Its spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, said the deaths occurred during a gun battle with hoodlums who had earlier ambushed their operatives and seized weapons.
“Tragically, while en route to Akinlalu, the team was ambushed by armed assailants suspected to be the same group terrorising the community. Two service rifles were seized. Reinforcement was sent, but at the Akinlalu junction, the road was barricaded and the operatives were attacked. This triggered a gun battle that lasted over an hour,” Yusuf explained.
He added that three lives were lost, including individuals believed to be among the attackers. Three suspects were arrested, and two rifles, as well as uniforms and other items, were recovered from a hideout linked to the group.
The police investigation is ongoing, with both security officials and residents calling for transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the tragic confrontation.
