No fewer than three persons reportedly died on Tuesday in a violent ambush by suspected armed robbers on Osun State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, at Akinlalu in Ife North local government area of the State.
According to official reports made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the public relations officer of the local security agency, Yusuf Idowu Abass, the operatives were dispatched from the Amotekun Command in Ile-Ife following a distress call from Akinlalu residents.
Abass stated that following the emergency call by the community that a group of suspected bandits had invaded farmlands in the area, four Amotekun operatives mobilised on motorcycles to address the situation and ensure the safety of the locals.
“Tragically, while en route to Akinlalu, the team was ambushed by armed assailants, suspected to be the same group terrorising the community. During the sudden attack, two service rifles belonging to the Amotekun Corps were forcibly taken by the assailants.
“Upon receiving news of the ambush, reinforcement operatives were deployed and approached Akinlalu with the intention of engaging peacefully, including paying a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the town.
“However, at the T-junction leading into Akinlalu, the road was found barricaded by the assailants, who immediately opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted for over an hour,” he stated.
Abass noted that despite the intensity of the attack, the Amotekun Corps operatives successfully overpowered the assailants and in the encounter, three lives were confirmed lost, including that of individuals suspected to be among the attackers, adding that three people were arrested while several others sustained injuries and fled the scene.
He further stated that in a subsequent operation, the corps recovered two firearms stolen during the ambush along with force uniforms and berets allegedly used by the hoodlums for impersonation.
Reacting to the development, the State commander of the Corps, Dr. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, affirming the agency’s resolve to continue protecting lives and property in Osun communities.
“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 our efforts to root out criminal elements threatening peace in our communities,” he stated.
