- By Kareem Kazeem
Residents of Akinlalu community in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State were thrown into mourning following an invasion by operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, an incident that left four people dead and several others injured.
Four months after the tragic episode, grief still hangs heavily in the agrarian town as victims and residents continue to call on the government to ensure justice is served without compromise.
Akinlalu is one of the seven ancient towns that make up the Origbo Meje communities.
The palace square doubles as the town’s central market where, every five days, traders from Lagos, Ibadan and neighbouring towns converge for commercial activities.
Today, that once-busy market appears like a deserted town with close to total silence dominating the town.
What began as a normal day, on the eve of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, quickly turned tragic.
Farmers, traders and artisans had gone about their usual routines before the tragedy came upon the town without knocking.
Community leaders explained that Amotekun operatives had earlier attempted to arrest a resident over allegations of stealing farm produce.
During the operation, the suspect reportedly escaped and disarmed one of the operatives.
The youth leader, Musibau Adeboye said he assured the officers that the community youths will locate the suspect and hand him over to them.
However, he said, residents were shocked when Amotekun operatives returned to the community in what witnesses described as a retaliatory operation.
According to accounts, four residents, including three members of the same family, were shot dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Three victims reportedly died on the spot. Another, Segun, who was rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital with critical injuries, was said to have died 48 hours later.
Those injured during the invasion were identified as Adeagbo Kadijat (female, 22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (female, 60), and Fayomi Toheeb (male, 19).
Those who lost their lives were Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo. Their bodies were allegedly taken away by Amotekun operatives.
Ibrahim Oyebamiji, a hairstylist who operated a barber shop directly opposite the palace, was among the victims. Residents said he was first shot and later hacked to death. Two of his cousins also died in separate locations within the town.
A nursing mother and a pepper seller in her sixties narrowly survived the attack but sustained severe injuries.
Another resident, 45-year-old Akeeb Odefunke, a stroke patient, was also reportedly brutalised.
A visit to the palace reflected the community’s grief. The Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Oluwabusola Aborisade, expressed confusion over the intentions behind the attack and vowed to pursue justice for his subjects.
He appealed to the government for urgent intervention, stressing that Akinlalu had always been a peaceful and law-abiding community.
Relatives of the victims later alleged that some community members were among the invading operatives, raising concerns about possible internal sabotage.
Seventy-two hours after the incident, residents protested what they described as government silence.
They claimed that no government official has identified or reached out to the community during the time of distress.
After 96 hours, the Osun State Government issued a statement to commiserate with the community and announce the commencement of investigations.
The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, subsequently visited the town, where he called for calm and promised that justice would be served.
Police Commenced Investigation
Police later confirmed the incident, and the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that Amotekun operatives involved had been identified.
He noted that the Inspector General of Police has also ordered the IRT-FID to take over the investigation.
At least 20 Amotekun operatives were arrested on October 8, 2025 during a raid at their Ife and Osogbo offices by the police special squad for their possible involvement in the crime.
Controversy followed the role of Amotekun Commandant, Isaac Omoyele, in the incident. Omoyele was, however, invited by the police but initially failed to honour the invitation.
Amotekun authorities later clarified that their commandant voluntarily reported to police headquarters in Abuja to assist ongoing investigations.
Adeleke, Oyebamiji Make Promises During Condolence Visit
Despite the initial visit of Osun State government delegation, Governor Ademola Adeleke also visited Akinlalu on October 13, 2025, assuring residents that justice would prevail and promising compensation for victims.
Residents used the occasion to beg the governor for timely justice and the construction of a police station.
Barely 24 hours later, Bola Oyebamiji, Osun APC governorship candidate, also visited.
He pledged scholarships for the children of the deceased and initiated the construction of a police post in the community.
Hope Awakened as Police Station Nears Completion
Today, normal activities have gradually returned to Akinlalu. Yet for families who lost loved ones, the pain remains fresh.
Residents say their collective prayer is simple: that justice will not be delayed.
They also expressed appreciation as the promised police station by Bola Oyebamiji nears completion, appealing to the Nigerian police to expedite the deployment of officers once the facility is ready.
For Akinlalu, healing may take time. But until accountability is achieved, the echoes of that tragic day will continue to linger in the streets of the ancient town.
