Opposition describes casualty figure as alarming, questions welfare and deployment of security corps in state
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to give a full explanation over the reported loss of more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, describing the development as alarming and unacceptable.
The party’s reaction follows comments allegedly made by the governor during a sympathy visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits killed two persons and abducted about 45 schoolchildren and some teachers.
During the visit, Makinde was reported to have disclosed that over 200 Amotekun operatives had died in active service, though without providing details of the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the Oyo APC criticised the governor’s handling of the disclosure, accusing him of lacking empathy and failing to properly brief the public on the matter.
The party also raised concerns over the implications of the alleged casualties for security operations in the state, questioning the welfare, deployment and coordination of Amotekun personnel.
It further urged the state government to improve synergy with federal security agencies, strengthen recruitment standards, and ensure better training, welfare and operational support for the corps.
The APC also called for the involvement of security experts in addressing rising insecurity in Oyo State, while warning against the alleged misuse of Amotekun operatives for non-security duties.