Three people have been confirmed dead after operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, were ambushed by suspected armed hoodlums in Akinlalu, a community in the Ile-Ife axis of the State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, happened while four operatives were responding to a distress call from residents who reported an invasion of their farmlands by suspected bandits.
On a Statement by the Public Relations officer of the Corps, the operatives were ambushed en route to the community, during which the attackers carted away two service rifles.
“Reinforcement was later deployed to the area, but on arrival at the Akinlalu T-junction, the operatives met a barricade mounted by the assailants. The hoodlums immediately opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for over an hour”.
“At the end of the confrontation, three lives were lost, including individuals believed to be among the attackers, while three suspects were arrested. Several others sustained injuries and fled the scene. Two stolen rifles, alongside uniforms and berets allegedly used for impersonation, were later recovered in a hideout linked to the assailants”
Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Omoyele, condemned the attack, describing it as cowardly.
He vowed that the incident would not deter the corps from carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.
Adekunle Omoyele assured residents that the corps will intensify efforts to root out criminal elements and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
