Three Die As Amotekun, Hoodlums Clash In Osun
The management of Osun Amotekun Corps has confirmed that three people were killed during a clash between its operatives and suspected hoodlums in Akinlalu, a town in Ife North Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Corps said the hoodlums had ambushed its men who were responding to a distress call in Akinlalu, forcibly taking three rifles from them.
Yusuf added that a backup team sent to the scene was also attacked at Akinlalu junction, resulting in a gunfight that left three people dead.
“The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, and led to a deadly confrontation between the Corps and suspected armed hoodlums,” Yusuf said.
According to official reports, operatives were dispatched from the Amotekun Command in Ile-Ife following an emergency call from residents reporting that suspected bandits had invaded local farmlands. Four operatives mobilised on motorcycles to address the situation and ensure the safety of the community.
“Tragically, while en route to Akinlalu, the team was ambushed by armed assailants, suspected to be the same group terrorising the community. During the sudden attack, two service rifles belonging to the Amotekun Corps were forcibly taken,” Yusuf said.
He further explained that reinforcement operatives were deployed to approach Akinlalu peacefully, including plans to pay a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler.
“However, at the T-junction leading into Akinlalu, the road was barricaded by the assailants, who immediately opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted over an hour. Despite the intensity, our operatives successfully overpowered the attackers. In the aftermath, three lives were confirmed lost, including individuals believed to be among the attackers. Three suspects were arrested, while several others sustained injuries and fled the scene.”
The Corps also recovered the two firearms stolen during the ambush, along with security uniforms and berets, from the hoodlums’ hideout.
Commenting on the incident, Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, condemned the attack and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“This cowardly ambush will not deter our operatives from carrying out their duties. The safety and security of our people remain our utmost priority. We will intensify our efforts to root out criminal elements threatening peace in our communities,” he said.
This latest incident marks the second ambush involving Osun Amotekun reported this year.
On May 1, 2025, operative Lamidi Abiodun was killed during an attack by armed hoodlums in the Papa area of Iwo.
Following that attack, one Nurudeen Alowonle, a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, went missing, and another, Alex Sola, was shot in the leg.
Announcing Abiodun’s death, Yusuf Idowu said Abiodun and his team, alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, had responded to a distress call from farmers in Papa village.
“It is deeply saddening to announce the tragic death of Mr Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo. Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally attacked with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene,” the statement read.