Protest In Osun Over Arrest, Detention Of Community Chiefs
Tension flared in the Itaapa community of Atakumosa-East Local Government Area of Osun State on Wednesday as irate residents staged a protest against the alleged indiscriminate arrest and detention of community leaders by operatives of the Amotekun Corps.
The demonstrators, wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Embarrassment, Amotekun De-robed Our Chiefs”, “Osun Amotekun Has Become a Political Tool,” and “Amotekun Supporting Criminals,” marched to the command headquarters of the corps, demanding the release of their detained chiefs.
Speaking with journalists at the protest venue, the leader of the aggrieved residents, Chief Olusegun Owoeye, decried what he described as a calculated clampdown on innocent community members under the guise of criminal investigation.
He alleged that known criminals who had previously been arrested by the police were now being shielded and were using political connections within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to persecute vigilante leaders safeguarding the town.
“After years of terror in our town by criminal gangs, the police encouraged us to form a vigilante group. Today, those same vigilantes who helped restore peace are being arrested and detained by Amotekun. Ten of our leaders have been held for over five days. We call on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure justice is served,” he stated.
Reacting to the protest, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (retd.), confirmed the arrest but insisted that due process was followed.
He said some of the suspects were caught with a pump-action rifle and claimed to be vigilante members.
“Those mentioned during interrogation are also being investigated. This is a security matter, not a political one. We are committed to a thorough investigation and will ensure justice is done,” he assured.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
Related posts:
Community Leader Tortured To Death In Nigerian Military’s Detention
Court Awards N5m Damages Against Police Inspector Over Unlawful Arrest, Detention Of Tricyclist
Protest Rocks Ilorin EFCC Office As Ex-Kwara Gov Ahmed’s Detention Enters Third Day
Daniel Ojukwu: Journalists, CSOs Protest Unlawful Detention Of FIJ Journalist, Demand Release
