Osun: Amotekun denies involvement in masquerade festival shooting

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has denied allegations linking its personnel to the shooting of a masquerade follower during a cultural festival in Ikirun, Osun State.

The incident was said to have occurred during the annual masquerade festival, where Amotekun operatives had been officially invited to provide security and ensure public order.

In a statement released on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu Abass, described the allegations as false and misleading, clarifying that at no time did any officer of the Corps discharge a firearm, either intentionally or accidentally, during the event.

Giving details of what transpired, the Corps Commander, Chief (Dr.) Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, explained that the shooting occurred during an unprovoked attack on one of the Corps’ officers by suspected hoodlums.

One of the hoodlums, he said, attempted to disarm the officer during the performance of his duties, forcefully pulled the trigger, and discharged a round from the firearm, which tragically struck an innocent bystander identified as a follower of the masquerade.

Omoyele stated further that the hoodlums, after executing the act, fled the scene without successfully seizing the weapon.

The Amotekun Corps promptly reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force, and both agencies have since commenced joint efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits behind the violent disruption.

The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterated its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state, urging the public to disregard any misleading reports suggesting that Amotekun operatives were responsible for the shooting.