Oyo clarifies 200 Amotekun casualties, warns opposition against politicising kidnapping
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has cautioned opposition figures against using the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area for political gains.
Oyelade issued the warning in a statement released on Friday in Ibadan while responding to reports that linked casualties within the Amotekun Corps to the kidnapping case in Oriire.
He urged political opponents to approach the matter objectively and refrain from making comments that could jeopardise the safety of the affected teachers and pupils.
The commissioner explained that Governor Seyi Makinde had recently disclosed, in the spirit of accountability and openness, that approximately 200 personnel of the Amotekun Corps had died since the security outfit was established six years ago.
According to Oyelade, some opposition members misrepresented the governor’s remarks by suggesting that the reported deaths were related to the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire.
“Twisting those statistics to suit a political narrative amounts to nothing more than cheap politicking,” he said.
“No Amotekun operative lost his life during the Oriire kidnapping operation.
“The only casualty was an officer who sustained injuries and is presently receiving treatment and recovering.”
Oyelade noted that the 200 deaths recorded since 2020 were caused by a variety of factors, including illness, natural causes, and fatalities that occurred during security operations.
He added that all necessary procedures were observed in every case, including proper notification and engagement with the families of the deceased officers.
The commissioner further stated that the Oyo State Amotekun Corps remains the best-funded and most adequately equipped security outfit in the South-West region.
He revealed that the corps currently has 181 operational vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and more than 2,500 personnel, making it the largest Amotekun structure in the region and one of the most well-paid.
Oyelade also recalled that Governor Makinde had, since 2021, consistently advocated for the establishment of state police and the provision of weaponry capable of matching those used by bandits and kidnappers.
He noted, however, that these calls have largely gone unanswered.
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)