Osun Amotekun arrests over Akinlalu killings spark outrage as police detain 20 operatives and investigate alleged attack on the Corps commander

Osun Amotekun arrests have ignited public outrage after a squad of the Nigeria Police Force detained about 20 operatives in connection with last week’s deadly shootings in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State.

Also read: Osun Amotekun shooting investigation underway after deaths

The police team, reportedly deployed from Abuja, stormed the Oke Fia Osogbo Operation Base and the Ife Central Division in Ile-Ife, arresting operatives found on duty and sealing both facilities.

However, when journalists visited the Corps’ headquarters at Powerline, Osogbo, the premises remained open.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, said: “Some policemen came, but they didn’t seal our headquarters.

They burst our operation base in Oke-Fia and the Ife Central Command, arresting about 20 of our operatives in connection with the Akinlalu incident. We don’t yet know where they were taken.”

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, proved unsuccessful as his mobile line could not be reached, and messages sent to him remained unanswered.

Tensions in the state rose further after reports emerged that the Amotekun Commander in Osun, Mr Isaac Omoyele, narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Monday night.

According to the Corps, Omoyele was attacked by gunmen along Ikirun Road in the Kobo area of Osogbo while driving home from work.

His vehicle was riddled with bullets, but he managed to escape despite sustaining injuries.

The attack has been reported to the Ota-Efun Police Division, though police say an investigation will begin once Omoyele presents the vehicle and proof of the incident.

The alleged attempt on his life occurred barely a week after Amotekun operatives were accused of invading Akinlalu community, where three residents were reportedly shot dead.

The Osun Police Command identified the deceased as Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo, while three others Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19)sustained gunshot wounds. Police also confirmed that Amotekun operatives removed the victims’ corpses from the scene.

In its defence, the Amotekun Corps admitted that three people were killed during the operation but claimed the deaths occurred during a gunfight after its officers were ambushed by hoodlums while attempting to recover two stolen rifles.

The killings have provoked widespread condemnation, with bereaved families demanding justice and a full investigation.

During a condolence visit to the Alakinla of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Oyewusi, assured residents that the government and police had launched investigations to ensure justice is done.

“We are here to sympathise with the families and assure them that justice will be served. The government and police are already investigating. The youth must remain calm and allow peace to reign,” he said.

He also promised that the Osun State Government would support the families of the deceased and hold those responsible accountable once the investigation concludes.

Also read: ‘Challenge them’ Amotekun will not be allowed to cover Osun election, INEC, Police say

The unfolding events have thrown the Amotekun Corps a regional security outfit created to bolster safety in the South-West into deeper scrutiny, with human rights advocates calling for stronger oversight and accountability to restore public confidence.