Shockwaves are rippling through Osun State following a tragic incident in Akinlalu community, near Ile-Ife, where three lives were lost and several others injured. The incident has sparked a fierce blame game between the state’s Amotekun Security Corps and the local community, prompting the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to order an immediate and thorough investigation.
Commissioner Gotan has directed the transfer of the sensitive case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo, the apex criminal investigative body within the state, to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the killings. This directive was disclosed by the Osun State Police Image-maker, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement released yesterday.
Two Starkly Different Narratives Emerge
The conflicting accounts of what transpired paint a grim picture of confusion and violence:
Amotekun’s Account: According to Yusuf Idowu Abass, the spokesperson for the Amotekun Security Corps in Osun State, their personnel were attacked by “some hoodlums” while responding to a distress call regarding an invasion of Akinlalu by bandits. This suggests their operatives were victims of an ambush while carrying out their duty to protect the community.
Akinlalu Community’s Counter-Narrative: However, the Akinlalu community vehemently refutes Amotekun’s claims. Mr. Olamide Babarinde, speaking on behalf of the community, described Amotekun’s statements as “null and void.” He provided a detailed counter-narrative:
- Initial Incident: On a Monday, Amotekun operatives reportedly went to a neighboring village, Aba Oba, to apprehend an alleged thief. They brought the suspect to Akinlalu where his father resides. The community claims an Amotekun officer was allegedly overpowered by the suspect, leading to the snatching of two pump-action guns.
- Alleged Retaliation: Babarinde alleges that on the fateful day (Tuesday), Amotekun operatives returned to Akinlalu “in large numbers” with their official patrol vehicles and a private car, not to address bandits, but in retaliation for the snatched weapons.
- Indiscriminate Shooting: Instead of confronting “gunmen” or “hoodlums” as claimed by Amotekun, Babarinde states that the corps members “shot sporadically” at “harmless people” – including those coming from farms, seated in their shops, and simply walking along the road. He insists there was “no armed person or gunmen as claimed by Amotekun who laid an ambush for the Amotekun.”
- “Akinlalu is known for hardworking people, who are very peaceful and loving,” Babarinde stressed, denying any involvement in staging an ambush.
The Tragic Human Cost
The violence resulted in the confirmed deaths of three persons: Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26 years), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo. Heartbreakingly, Ibrahim and Sefiu were siblings, and Abiola was the child of one of their senior siblings, meaning the same family bore the brunt of this tragedy.
Several others sustained serious bullet injuries, including Adeagbo Kadijat (22 years, female), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60 years, female), and Fayomi Toheeb (19 years, male), who were evacuated to hospitals for treatment by police operatives who later recovered 13 expended cartridges from the scene.
Adding to the community’s distress, Babarinde alleged that after shooting the victims, the Amotekun operatives “came around and took them away.” While three deaths are confirmed, the fate of others taken away remains unknown.
Community Demands Justice and Accountability
The grieving community of Akinlalu is now demanding justice. They are calling for:
- The immediate release of their people allegedly taken away, including the corpses of the deceased.
- Justice for those killed.
- Government intervention and protection.
- The prosecution of the Amotekun corps members involved in the attack.
- A re-evaluation of Amotekun’s presence, with Babarinde stating, “We don’t want them again, they are using the gun that the government got the money through taxpayer money to kill the people.” He added, “The way they acted yesterday, shows that they are not meant to be in the town, they are not meant to be carrying arms and ammunition.”
The Police Vow a Thorough Investigation
CP Ibrahim Gotan has acknowledged the complexities and conflicting testimonies surrounding the incident. DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that the transfer to the SCID is intended to ensure “a discreet and thorough investigation.” He assured the public that “All claims and counterclaims — including allegations of murder, assault occasioning harm, gun snatching, wounding, and impersonation — will be carefully verified to establish facts and ensure justice.”
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of accountability and a transparent investigation. As the SCID delves into the details, the people of Akinlalu, and indeed all citizens of Osun, await answers and justice to prevent further escalation and restore faith in the security apparatus designed to protect them.
