At least three people were killed on Tuesday when bandits ambushed operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, in Akinlalu, a community in the Ile-Ife axis of the state.
In a statement, Yusuf Idowu, spokesperson of the corps, said four operatives from the Ile-Ife command had mobilised on motorcycles after residents raised an alarm over suspected hoodlums invading farmlands.
Idowu said the operatives were ambushed and dispossessed of two service rifles.
He added that reinforcement operatives deployed to the T-junction leading into Akinlalu met the road barricaded by the assailants, who immediately opened fire on them.
The spokesperson said the confrontation triggered a fierce gun battle that lasted for over an hour.
“At the end of the shootout, three of the hoodlums were confirmed dead, three suspects arrested, while several others sustained injuries and fled the scene,” Idowu said.
He added that two stolen firearms, uniforms and berets allegedly used by the hoodlums for impersonation were recovered in a hideout believed to be linked to the attackers.
Reacting, Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele, condemned the ambush and reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to protect lives and property.
His words: “This cowardly ambush will not deter our operatives from carrying out their duties.
“The safety and security of our people remain our utmost priority. We will intensify our efforts to root out criminal elements threatening peace in our communities.”
The commander urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to aid investigations.
