Governor Seyi Makinde says more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, have died in active service in recent times. He didn't say how, when, or where they died.
The revelation came during a sympathy visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area last week. Suspected bandits had killed two people and abducted about 45 schoolchildren and some of their teachers in that area.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has now reacted. In a statement on Thursday, the party called the loss alarming, disturbing, and unacceptable. It demanded that Makinde provide full details and take urgent steps to protect corps personnel and residents.
The APC statement, signed by Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, accused the governor of breaking the news with flippancy and insensitivity. “How can a governor mention the death of over 200 dedicated crime fighters flippantly and without any recourse to the feelings of their family members and loved ones?” the party asked.
The party also questioned why Makinde had withheld the information until that moment. It said the high casualty figure suggests criminal activities in the state may have reached alarming levels while the government conceals facts from the public.
The APC further alleged that Makinde has failed to build effective synergy between Amotekun and federal security agencies due to what it called needless ego and lack of clear direction. It urged the governor to involve experienced security professionals in tackling insecurity.
The party also raised concerns about the welfare of Amotekun operatives. It said from its own investigations, corps members are sometimes deployed to guard hotels, properties, and business facilities belonging to the governor's friends and political associates. The APC called for an end to that practice.
It also demanded better recruitment, training, and welfare packages for operatives so they can work with minimal risk and maximum motivation.
Makinde hasn't responded to the APC's allegations. His office hasn't released any additional information about the circumstances of the operatives' deaths.
Amotekun was established in 2020 by the six southwestern state governors as a regional security outfit to complement federal security agencies. It operates in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states. The corps has been involved in combating kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes in the region.
The reported loss of over 200 operatives, if confirmed, would be one of the highest casualty figures for any state security outfit in Nigeria. It raises serious questions about the risks faced by Amotekun personnel and the effectiveness of the state's security strategy.