Death toll from last Tuesday’s shooting incident involving Osun Amotekun operatives in Akinlalu town has climbed to four, after one of the critically injured victims died in the early hours of Saturday.
Residents of Akinlalu alleged that operatives of the security outfit stormed the town around midday on Tuesday, firing gunshots indiscriminately.
The invasion, according to locals, left three people dead on the spot and eight others critically injured.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr Babarinde Olamide explained that the incident began after Amotekun operatives accused a suspect of seizing a locally fabricated firearm belonging to one of their men.
He said the operatives arrived in three vehicles and, upon reaching the town’s center, allegedly opened fire on residents. Those who attempted to flee were reportedly attacked with machetes.
“In the process, three persons were killed on the spot and several others sustained severe injuries. Shockingly, the operatives took away the corpses and the injured victims.
"We later received information that one of the injured persons died at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, after undergoing surgery early on Saturday,” Olamide said.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered a full investigation into the killings and dispatched a government delegation to the affected community.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said his administration remains committed to the rule of law and transparency.
“I am a rule of law governor. This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law. I have ordered a Security Council meeting on this incident and others, such as fears of spillover from Kwara banditry attacks.
"I send my condolences to the victims of this unfortunate incident. I urge the good people of Akinlalu to remain calm as our government acts on the matter. I feel their pains, but investigations are ongoing,” the governor stated.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killings, urging the governor to ensure transparency in the probe and bring those responsible to justice.
