The death toll from Tuesday’s reported shooting by Osun Amotekun operatives in Akinlalu town has risen to four, following the death of one of the critically injured victims early Saturday at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Residents had alleged that Amotekun operatives invaded the community on Tuesday afternoon, shooting sporadically at the town centre, which led to the deaths of three persons and left eight others critically injured. However, Amotekun claimed its men were caught in a 30-minute gun battle with the victims.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Babarinde Olamide said the operatives arrived in three vehicles, alleging that they stormed the peaceful community after a suspect allegedly seized one of their locally-made weapons.
“On getting to the centre of the town, they began shooting sporadically at residents, while those who tried to flee were attacked with machetes,” Olamide said.
“In the process, three people were killed instantly, and several others sustained serious injuries. The operatives even took away the corpses and the injured. Sadly, one of those injured died after surgery early on Saturday.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation into the incident and dispatched a government delegation to the community.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed condolences to the bereaved families, assuring that the government would uphold justice.
“I am a rule-of-law governor. This matter is being investigated, and any infraction will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement quoted Adeleke as saying. “I have ordered a security council meeting on this incident and other related security concerns.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State condemned the killings, accusing the Amotekun operatives of engaging in extra-judicial actions.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party urged Governor Adeleke not to shield anyone found culpable.
“Amotekun must not become an instrument of intimidation in the state, especially as the election season approaches,” Olabisi stated.