The assailants stormed the Amotekun Command Base, inflicting injuries on at least five officers during the surprise assault
At least five operatives of the Osun State Command of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, were reportedly injured following a violent attack on their operational base in Awo, Egbedore Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Monday by the spokesperson of the corps, Yusuf Idowu, the incident occurred over the weekend and stemmed from a dispute involving an alleged illegal burial attempt on ancestral land in Iwoye community.
The traditional ruler of the community, the Oniwoye of Iwoye, had invited Amotekun officers to intervene and prevent the unauthorized burial, which was seen as a violation of the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Upon arriving at the scene and assessing the potentially volatile nature of the situation, the operatives opted to tactically withdraw to their command headquarters in Awo in order to avoid a confrontation. This strategic retreat, according to Idowu, was made to de-escalate tension and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
However, rather than allowing the situation to be handled through lawful and peaceful means, a group suspected to be behind the illegal burial reportedly regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on the Amotekun command base. The assailants stormed the premises, inflicting injuries on at least five officers during the surprise assault.
Idowu condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate act of aggression against the corps’ lawful efforts to maintain peace and uphold community values. He emphasized that Amotekun remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of residents across the state, despite the growing threats against its personnel.
It reads, “This brazen assault took place in the presence of law enforcement agents, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, deployed to investigate the matter and an officer of Department of State Services, DSS, who was around to intercede in a matter, as well as family members of the assailants.
“During the attack, the marauders tried to disarm Amotekun personnel and inflicted serious injuries on the operatives, who were immediately taken to a medical facility for emergency treatment. One personnel was seriously injured while four others sustained minor injuries.
“This violent act represents a direct threat to the security and peace of our communities and will not be tolerated. The Osun Amotekun Corps is currently working with relevant security agencies to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of all those involved in this heinous act.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, property, and community peace.”
An investigation into the incident is currently underway, and security operatives are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Community leaders and residents have been urged to remain calm and to support the ongoing efforts to restore peace and order in the area.