Ignore Fake Video, No Applicant Died In Camp – Osun Amotekun Tells Residents
- Says Applicants In Viral Video Disqualified
- Denies Replacing Applicants With PDP Members
The Osun Amotekun Corps has urged residents of the state to ignore a fake video circulating online that three applicants died during the ongoing training for the 1,000 newly recruited personnel.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that a viral video on Thursday showed some applicants outside the Osun NYSC Orientation camp, Ede, venue of the ongoing training exercise, lamenting their inability to access the premises.
In the video, some of the applicants, which included a woman backing a child, alleged that three people died and also accused the Amotekun Corps of replacing their names with members of the Peoples Democratic Party.
But the Corps said the video is not a reflection of the truth but a calculated effort to mislead the public and undermine the work of the security outfit.
Speaking with newsmen at the training camp, the Board Chairman of Osun Amotekun Corps, AIG Wale Abbas (Rtd), said although three people fell unconscious during the training, they were resuscitated and now recovering.
He also debunked the allegation that some of the applicants were sent away from the camp because they were not members of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Abbas said those sent away from the camp were individuals who were not selected for the training but managed to gain access to the premises.
He noted that those who had health issues were also disqualified from continuing with the training, adding that the notion that they were sent away for them to be replaced by PDP members was far from the truth.
Addressing the viral video, the Osun Amotekun Corps Board Chairman, said the woman in the video with a child was not allowed in because it was against the policy of paramilitary training.
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Abbas also said the applicants in camps were being fed three times daily, debunking rumour that the applicants were using their money to feed themselves.
He said, “First and foremost, let me unequivocally state that Osun Amotekun Corps has always adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness. The accusations that we engaged in partisan behavior during the recruitment process are not only baseless but also malicious.
“The recruitment exercise was open, transparent, and merit-based, with no consideration given to political affiliations. The process was designed to ensure that only the most qualified individuals were selected to serve in our esteemed organization.
“However, during the camp, it became apparent that some individuals who were not selected for training managed to gain access to the camp premises. Additionally, some of the selected candidates failed to arrive within the stipulated deadline.
“These issues were promptly addressed, and we ensured that those who had not been selected were sent back home, while those who had health issues, as identified by our professional instructors, were also disqualified from continuing the training.
“This was done for the safety and well-being of the applicants and the integrity of the training process, as any unfit individual could have posed a risk to themselves and others”.
On the viral video, Abbas said, “One disturbing incident that has been highlighted in the video circulating online involves a woman who arrived at the camp with a breastfeeding infant. This is completely against the policy of paramilitary training, which does not permit individuals with health conditions or those caring for young children to remain in the camp.
“It is deeply unfortunate that these applicants, who were rightfully discharged due to health concerns, have chosen to spread false information about the Corps.
“These actions are part of a deliberate campaign to damage the reputation of Osun Amotekun Corps and bring the organization into disrepute.
“The video in question is not a reflection of the truth but a calculated effort to mislead the public and undermine the work that we do.
“It’s not true that three people died in the camp. Those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering. This is the result of the efforts of certain individuals trying to exploit the situation for political gain.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
