The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide a detailed explanation regarding his disclosure that more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, had died while on active duty.
The opposition party described the revelation as disturbing, alarming and unacceptable, insisting that residents deserve full disclosure on the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
It also urged the state government to strengthen protection for security personnel and residents across the state.
Governor Makinde made the disclosure during a sympathy visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area recently affected by attacks attributed to suspected bandits.
The attacks reportedly claimed two lives and led to the abduction of about 45 schoolchildren and some of their teachers.
While addressing residents during the visit, the governor stated that more than 200 Amotekun operatives had been lost in active service in recent times.
However, he did not provide further details on the causes or circumstances of the fatalities.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the Oyo APC, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed concern over what it described as the administration’s handling of the matter.
According to the party, the governor’s announcement lacked the sensitivity expected when discussing the deaths of security personnel who had dedicated themselves to safeguarding lives and property.
The APC argued that the reported loss of over 200 operatives raises serious concerns about the security situation in the state and the operational conditions under which members of the Amotekun Corps work.
The party questioned why information relating to the casualties had not been made public earlier and demanded greater transparency from the state government.
It further maintained that such a high casualty figure among security operatives suggests the need for a comprehensive review of security operations and strategies in the state.
The opposition party also alleged that there has been inadequate collaboration between the Amotekun Corps and federal security agencies, a situation it claimed had affected efforts to combat crime effectively.
Additionally, the APC called on the state government to engage security experts in addressing emerging security challenges and improving the effectiveness of the state-backed security outfit.
The party further urged the government to ensure that Amotekun personnel are deployed strictly for security-related assignments. It alleged that some operatives were being assigned to guard hotels, business facilities and other properties linked to associates of the governor, a practice it said should be discontinued.
The APC also advocated improved welfare packages, regular training and retraining programmes, and the recruitment of qualified personnel to enhance the corps’ operational efficiency and reduce risks faced by officers in the line of duty.
The party concluded by stressing the need for better motivation and support for Amotekun operatives as part of broader efforts to strengthen security across Oyo State.
