The Osun State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered an in-depth investigation into the Tuesday killing of three persons in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of the state.
In a Wednesday statement, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, for undercover and in-depth investigation.
The order was issued following conflicting reports by the Western Nigeria Security Network, better known as Amotekun, and Chief Oyebamiji Kamorudeen of the Akinlalu community.
Commander Kamorudeen alleged that the Amotekun men stormed Akinlalu with two official patrol vans and an individual car in retaliation for two pump-action guns allegedly removed from their men. According to his version, the officers fired indiscriminately, killing three indigenes and injuring others, before they took the victims’ bodies away.
Those named as having been killed include Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo, while injured victims were Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19).
Amotekun, in turn, stated that its officers were ambushed by armed thugs following a distress call. The corps alleged that two service rifles were stolen from them in the course of operation. It reported that a reinforcement team was also fired at intensively in a barricaded intersection into Akinlalu, which set an intense firefight lasting over an hour. Amotekun reported three suspected assailants died, arrests were effected, and the rifles snatched also recovered from a hideout.
The Police Command made certain that the counterclaims and claims such as assault, murder, gun-snatching, and impersonation were thoroughly investigated to discover the facts and determine justice.
It also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, accompanied by the added guarantee of deploying tactical teams in the area to maintain peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
