Oyo clarifies 200 Amotekun casualties, warns opposition against politicising kidnapping

Oyo State officials are urging opposition politicians to refrain from politicizing the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area. Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information, issued a statement Friday warning against statements that could endanger children and teachers.

Oyelade addressed claims linking casualties within the Amotekun Corps to the Oriire kidnapping. He clarified that Governor Seyi Makinde had previously disclosed about 200 Amotekun personnel deaths since the security network's establishment six years prior. The commissioner stated that opposition elements distorted this information to falsely suggest a connection to the recent kidnapping.

"For the opposition to turn the statistics on its head is nothing but cheap politics," Oyelade said. He emphasized that no Amotekun operatives were lost in the Oriire kidnapping incident itself, with only one personnel sustaining injuries and currently recuperating. The commissioner explained that the 200 recorded deaths since 2020 stemmed from diverse causes, including illnesses, natural circumstances, and fatalities during security operations. He assured that proper procedures were followed in notifying the families of deceased personnel.

Oyelade highlighted the Amotekun Corps' standing as the most funded and best-equipped security outfit in the South-West. It boasts 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and over 2,500 personnel, making it the largest and one of the best-remunerated Amotekun formations. He also recalled Governor Makinde's consistent calls since 2021 for state police and for weapons capable of matching those used by criminals, appeals that have largely gone unheeded. The commissioner encouraged continued resident support for the state government and security agencies' efforts to maintain peace.

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For the opposition to turn the statistics on its head is nothing but cheap politics.