Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered full investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of three persons on Tuesday in Akinlalu, Ife North local government area of Osun State.
The commissioner ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, which is the apex criminal investigative body within the state for a discreet and thorough investigation.
A statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, said the investigation became imperative following conflicting reports of the incidence by the Western Security Network also known as Amotekun, Osun Corps and one Chief Oyebamiji Kamorudeen of Akinlalu.
Kamorudeen alleged that the security outfit invaded Akinlalu community with their two official patrol and one private vehicle in retaliation for the two pump action guns earlier allegedly snatched from their operatives by yet-to-be-identified persons.
He added that during the invasion, members of Amotekun Corps shot sporadically and caused the death of three persons while scores others sustained serious bullet injuries adding that they took away the remains of the deceased persons.
The Akinlalu chief named Adeagbo Kadijat ‘f’ 22yrs, Oke-Ila Oyebamiji ‘f’ 60yrs and Fayomi Toheeb ‘m’ 19yrs among people injured during the shooting while Ibrahim Oyebamiji (m), 26yrs, Sefiu Oyebamiji (m) and Abiola Olutayo (m) lost their lives.
However, in a release by Amotekun on Tuesday, the corps claimed that its operatives were first ambushed by armed hoodlums while responding to a distress call from Akinlalu residents.
The Corps reported that during the ambush, two service rifles were snatched.
Amotekun further stated that reinforcement operatives dispatched to the scene came under heavy gunfire at a barricaded junction into Akinlalu, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire lasting over an hour.
According to their account, three suspected attackers lost their lives, arrests were made, and the stolen firearms were recovered from a hideout.
The Police Command said, “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”.
The Command, however, urged residents of Akinlalu and the public to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that tactical teams have been reinforced in the area to maintain peace and prevent breakdown of law and order.
