Osun police investigate deadly Amotekun operation after three killed in Akinlalu amid claims of gun battle and indiscriminate shooting.
Osun Amotekun shooting investigation has begun following allegations that officers killed three residents in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area during an operation on Tuesday.
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Residents accused Amotekun operatives of storming the town, firing indiscriminately, and forcibly removing the bodies of those killed.
Initial reports indicate four people died, while about ten others suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospitals in Ipetumodu, Gbongan, and Yakooyo.
Kamardeen Babarinsola, an indigene of Akinlalu, told The PUNCH the violence stemmed from a dispute involving suspected cocoa thieves detained by villagers.
According to him, Amotekun men initially came to take custody of the suspects on Monday but clashed en route to the town, injuring one suspect and an operative.
The issue was reportedly resolved after talks with the local youth leader.
However, on Tuesday afternoon between noon and 1 pm, Amotekun operatives allegedly returned and began shooting randomly. Babarinsola said women, children, and youths on the streets were targeted rather than just those involved in the prior incident.
Four people, including two brothers, eventually died: Oyebamiji Ibrahim, Sefiu Oyebamiji, Desmond, and Abiola Olutayo.
Another witness, Jeleel, described how operatives arrived in three vans and opened fire on unarmed residents without provocation. The community has since reported the incident to the police, demanding accountability.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed three fatalities and assured the public of a thorough investigation. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said they recovered 13 expended cartridges and evacuated victims to hospitals, restoring 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,” Ojelabi stated.
In contrast, the Osun Amotekun Corps denied targeting innocent residents.
Their spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, said operatives were ambushed en route to Akinlalu by armed hoodlums who had earlier seized two rifles from Amotekun men.
The ensuing gun battle lasted over an hour, resulting in three deaths including suspected attackers.
Yusuf added that three suspects were arrested, and two rifles, uniforms, and other items were recovered from their hideout.
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The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life and restore trust within the community.
