The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over the reported loss of more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, describing the development as alarming, heartbreaking, and unacceptable.
The opposition party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths and to reassure residents that adequate measures were being taken to safeguard security personnel and citizens across the state.
The demand followed a revelation made by Governor Makinde during a sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area on May 30. The governor had visited the community after a deadly attack by suspected bandits who reportedly killed two persons and abducted more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers.
While addressing residents during the visit, Makinde disclosed that over 200 members of the Amotekun Corps had recently lost their lives while serving the state. However, he did not provide details about the incidents, locations, or circumstances that led to the deaths.
The disclosure has since generated widespread concern among residents and political stakeholders, with many questioning the absence of comprehensive information regarding such a significant loss within a security outfit established to complement conventional security agencies in combating crime and maintaining public safety.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, the APC said it was shocked not only by the reported deaths but also by what it described as the casual manner in which the information was presented to the public. According to the party, the death of more than 200 security operatives should have prompted a more detailed and empathetic response from the state government, considering the sacrifices made by personnel who put their lives on the line to protect communities.
The APC accused Governor Makinde of demonstrating a lack of sensitivity while conveying the tragic information, arguing that the lives of the deceased operatives deserved greater respect and recognition. The party stated that the governor’s comments raised more questions than answers, particularly because no official report had been released explaining how such a large number of trained security personnel died while on active duty.
It further maintained that the absence of details could fuel speculation and public anxiety at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of the state and across the country. Sadare, in the statement, stressed that the people of Oyo State deserved transparency regarding the issue, noting that families of the deceased operatives, if the report was accurate, also deserved to know the circumstances under which their loved ones lost their lives.
The APC emphasized that Amotekun was created as a critical security structure aimed at strengthening local intelligence gathering and supporting efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. Given the strategic role of the corps, the party argued that the reported loss of over 200 personnel represented a serious development that should not be overlooked or treated as a routine occurrence.
The opposition party also urged the state government to disclose whether the deaths occurred during combat operations, training exercises, accidents, health-related incidents, or other circumstances. It warned that failing to provide clarity could undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture and raise concerns among serving operatives regarding their welfare and safety.
Furthermore, the APC called on the governor to ensure that adequate support, compensation, and welfare packages were provided to the families of any operatives who may have died in active service. The party maintained that security personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty deserve recognition, honour, and institutional support from the government they serve.
The controversy comes amid growing security challenges in parts of Oyo State and neighbouring regions, where incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, and bandit activities have heightened concerns among residents. The attack in Oriire Local Government Area, which prompted Governor Makinde’s visit, is one of several recent incidents that have renewed calls for stronger security measures and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
As public attention continues to focus on the governor’s remarks, many observers are awaiting an official clarification from the Oyo State Government regarding the exact number of Amotekun personnel affected, the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and the measures being taken to prevent further casualties.
For now, the APC insists that transparency, accountability, and empathy are essential in addressing the matter, arguing that the reported loss of more than 200 security operatives is too significant to be left unexplained.
The party concluded by urging the state government to provide a comprehensive account of the situation and reaffirm its commitment to protecting both security personnel and residents in the face of evolving security threats.
