By Adeola Badru
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the reported loss of more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, under undisclosed circumstances as alarming, disturbing and unacceptable, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide full details surrounding the revelation and take urgent steps to ensure the safety of corps personnel and residents across the state.
The opposition party’s reaction followed Governor Makinde’s disclosure during a sympathy visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected bandits recently killed two persons and abducted about 45 schoolchildren as well as some of their teachers.
Speaking during the visit last week, the governor reportedly revealed that more than 200 members of the Amotekun Corps had been lost in active service in recent times. However, he did not provide details regarding the circumstances that led to their deaths.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo APC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed dismay over what it described as the governor’s lack of empathy in conveying the information.
The party stated: “With this ugly development, there is no denying the fact that the current administration in Oyo State does not attach much importance to the lives of the people.“
“How can a governor mention the death of over 200 dedicated crime fighters flippantly and without any recourse to the feelings of their family members and loved ones?“
“Why did the governor withhold information on the high casualty figures among the slain Amotekun Corps operatives?“
“We are particularly concerned by what appeared to be a lack of empathy on the part of Governor Makinde, who broke the sad news with utmost flippancy, triviality and insensitivity, as though he was referring to chickens or goats lost to an epidemic.”
The APC further argued that the reported fatalities raise serious concerns about the security situation in the state and the welfare of personnel serving in the Amotekun Corps.
“For Oyo State to have recorded such a high number of fatalities among its security personnel, it suggests that criminal activities may have reached an alarming level while the government continues to conceal important facts from the public.“
“The governor’s revelation also raises fundamental questions about the conditions of service within the Amotekun Corps.“
“From our own discreet investigations, we found that Governor Makinde has failed to foster effective synergy between the Corps and federal security agencies due to needless ego and a lack of clear direction.”
The opposition party also urged the governor to engage experienced security professionals in tackling insecurity across the state.
“Meanwhile, it is important for Governor Makinde to involve relevant security experts in the fight against crime in the state.“
“The practice whereby Amotekun Corps members are deployed to guard hotels, properties and business facilities belonging to friends and political associates of the governor should be discontinued.“
“Furthermore, only competent personnel should be recruited into the Corps, while adequate training, retraining and improved welfare packages must be provided to ensure that operatives carry out their duties under minimal risk and with maximum motivation,” the APC stated.
