Oyo State Clarifies Amotekun Casualties Amid Kidnapping Claims

Princ Dotun Oyelad, the Oyo State Commission, issued a statement on Friday in Ibadan addressing claims regarding 200 casualties among the Amotekun Corps personnel linked to recent kidnappings in Oriir Local Government Area. He clarified that these casualties, recorded since the agency's inception six years ago, resulted from various causes, including natural causes and injuries sustained during security operations.

Oyelad emphasized that the Amotekun Corps has not lost any personnel in connection with recent kidnapping incidents and urged opposition politicians to refrain from politicizing these security matters, which could endanger lives. He noted that the 200 deaths recorded since 2020 were due to various factors and included notifications to the families of deceased personnel.

The Amotekun Corps currently operates with 2,500 personnel, 181 vehicles, and 450 motorcycles, making it the largest security outfit in the southwest region. Oyelad reiterated the need for public support for the state government's security efforts.