The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern over reports that more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have died while on active duty in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the opposition party described the development as alarming, saddening, and unacceptable. The APC called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide further details regarding the reported deaths and ensure adequate protection for security personnel and residents across the state.
The concern follows a statement by Governor Makinde during a sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area on May 30. The governor had visited the area after suspected bandits reportedly killed two people and abducted more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers on May 15.
During the visit, Makinde disclosed that over 200 Amotekun personnel had lost their lives in active service in recent times, although he did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Reacting to the revelation, the APC accused the governor of showing insufficient empathy in addressing the issue, arguing that the loss of such a large number of security operatives deserved greater attention and transparency.
The party questioned why details of the fatalities had not been made public earlier and argued that the reported casualty figure raised concerns about the security situation in the state.
According to the APC, the development also calls into question the welfare, working conditions, and operational structure of the Amotekun Corps. The party alleged that the state government had failed to foster effective collaboration between the security outfit and federal security agencies.
The opposition party further urged the governor to engage security experts in tackling crime and insecurity across the state.
The APC also criticised the alleged deployment of Amotekun personnel to guard private properties and businesses belonging to associates of the government, insisting that the corps should focus on its primary security mandate.
The party called for improved recruitment standards, regular training and retraining programmes, and better welfare packages for operatives to enhance their effectiveness and reduce operational risks.
It maintained that the lives of security personnel should be prioritised and urged the state government to take concrete steps to strengthen the corps and improve public safety across Oyo State.
