The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the reported loss of more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, as alarming, saddening and unacceptable.
The opposition party called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure adequate protection for security personnel and residents across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC expressed concern over Governor Makinde’s recent disclosure that more than 200 members of the Amotekun Corps had lost their lives while on active duty.
Makinde reportedly made the revelation during a sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area on May 30, following an attack by suspected bandits on May 15, which left two people dead and resulted in the abduction of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers.
The governor, according to reports, disclosed that over 200 Amotekun personnel had died in active service in recent times but did not provide details regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
Reacting to the development, the APC criticised what it described as the governor’s lack of empathy and failure to provide adequate information about the casualties.
The party said the disclosure raised serious concerns about the welfare, safety and operational conditions of personnel serving in the state-owned security outfit.
“It is deeply troubling that the death of over 200 dedicated security operatives could be mentioned without providing details or acknowledging the pain of their families and loved ones,” the statement said.
According to the APC, the reported casualty figure suggests a significant security challenge in the state and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing strategies to combat crime and insecurity.
The party further argued that the revelation highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the Amotekun Corps and federal security agencies, alleging that such synergy had not been adequately pursued by the current administration.
The APC also called for a review of the operational structure of the security outfit, including recruitment processes, training standards, welfare packages and deployment policies.
The opposition party alleged that some Amotekun personnel were being assigned to protect private properties and businesses linked to associates of the government, a practice it said should be discontinued to allow operatives focus on their primary responsibility of protecting communities and combating crime.
The statement further urged the state government to engage security experts in developing more effective strategies for tackling insecurity and ensuring the safety of both security personnel and residents.
It stressed the importance of providing adequate training, retraining programmes, modern equipment and improved welfare packages for Amotekun operatives to enable them carry out their duties effectively while minimising operational risks.
The APC maintained that the state government owes the public a clear explanation regarding the reported deaths and should take urgent steps to strengthen security architecture across Oyo State.
