Oyo govt warns opposition against politicising Oriire kidnapping
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has cautioned opposition politicians against politicising the recent kidnapping incident that occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Oyelade issued the warning in a statement released on Friday in Ibadan while responding to reports linking casualties within the Amotekun Corps to the Oriire kidnapping case.
He urged opposition figures to approach the matter objectively and refrain from making comments that could jeopardise the safety of the affected children and teachers.
The commissioner explained that Governor Seyi Makinde, in the spirit of accountability and openness, recently revealed that approximately 200 operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) had died since the outfit was established six years ago.
According to Oyelade, some opposition members misrepresented the governor’s remarks, creating the misleading impression that the deaths were related to the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire.
“It is unfortunate that the opposition has chosen to twist these figures for political gain.
“Amotekun did not lose any operative during the Oriire kidnapping operation.
“The only casualty involved a personnel member who sustained injuries and is presently recovering,” he stated.
Oyelade further clarified that the 200 deaths recorded since 2020 arose from different circumstances, including health-related issues, natural causes, and fatalities encountered during security operations.
He noted that all necessary procedures were duly followed in each case, including informing the families of the deceased officers.
The commissioner maintained that the Oyo State Amotekun Corps remains the best-funded and most equipped security outfit in the South-West region.
He disclosed that the corps currently operates a fleet of 181 vehicles and 450 motorcycles, with more than 2,500 personnel, making it the largest Amotekun formation in the region and one of the best-paid.
Oyelade also recalled that Governor Makinde has consistently advocated for the creation of state police since 2021, as well as the provision of modern weapons capable of matching those used by bandits and kidnappers.
He lamented that these calls have largely gone unheeded.
The commissioner appealed to residents to continue supporting the state government and security agencies in their efforts to sustain peace and strengthen security across Oyo State. (NAN)