0
0
There was pandemonium in the Akinlalu community of Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, after operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, were ambushed in a deadly attack by suspected armed hoodlums.
The operatives, who were responding to a distress call over an invasion of farmlands by suspected bandits, came under heavy fire on their way to the area, leading to a violent confrontation that left at least three people dead.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Yusuf Idowu Abass, four operatives had mobilised on motorcycles from the Amotekun Command in Ile-Ife to Akinlalu following urgent calls from residents.
However, midway into the operation, they were ambushed by the armed assailants—believed to be the same group terrorising the area. The attackers not only opened fire but also made away with two service rifles belonging to the corps.
“Upon receiving news of the attack, we sent a reinforcement team to the community,” the statement noted.
In a dramatic turn of events, the reinforcement team—approaching Akinlalu with the intention to engage the community peacefully and visit its traditional ruler—was again met with hostility. At the T-junction leading into the town, the road was barricaded by the hoodlums, who immediately opened fire on the operatives.
A fierce gun duel ensued and lasted for over an hour. By the end of the clash, Amotekun operatives had regained control of the area, reportedly overpowering the attackers.
The corps confirmed that three people, believed to be part of the criminal gang, lost their lives in the crossfire, while three others were arrested. Several suspects were also said to have fled with bullet wounds.
In a follow-up operation, Amotekun operatives recovered the two stolen rifles, alongside force uniforms and berets allegedly used by the assailants to impersonate security personnel. These items were discovered in a hideout linked to the group.
Condemning the attack in strong terms, the Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, described the ambush as a “cowardly act” and vowed that the corps would not be intimidated by criminal gangs.
“This cowardly ambush will not deter our operatives from carrying out their duties. The safety and security of our people remain our utmost priority. We will intensify efforts to root out all criminal elements threatening peace in our communities,” he said.
The corps called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative, urging the public to share timely and credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
As of press time, security has been beefed up in and around the Akinlalu axis, with joint patrols by Amotekun and other sister agencies ongoing to forestall further unrest.
Average Rating