By Remilekun Oyelowo
Awo, Osun State | — In a brazen and coordinated attack that has left security officials and residents reeling, a gang of armed hoodlums led by a notorious thug, Ismaila Aluko, launched a violent assault on operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, better known as Amotekun, at their command post in Awo, Egbedore Local Government Area.
The incident, described by officials as a deliberate ambush, occurred on Friday after Amotekun officers responded to a distress call from the Oniwoye of Iwoye. The traditional ruler had reported the unlawful burial of a corpse on sacred ancestral land, prompting the deployment of four operatives to the scene for investigation.
Upon arrival, the Amotekun team discovered the burial had already taken place. But what began as a routine investigation spiraled into chaos when Aluko—long on the wanted list for various crimes—emerged with an armed gang and violently attacked the officers, inflicting injuries before they tactically withdrew to their base for reinforcement.
Shockingly, the gang doubled down on their assault. They regrouped and stormed the Amotekun command office in Awo in a second wave of aggression—this time in full view of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and even family members of the assailants.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium as the hoodlums attempted to disarm Amotekun officers and dealt severe blows to the already wounded operatives, who were later rushed to a medical facility for emergency treatment.
“This was not just an attack on our personnel—it was an attack on the rule of law and community peace,” said Yusuf Idowu Abass, Public Relations Officer for the Osun Amotekun Corps. “We are working closely with other security agencies to ensure every individual involved in this despicable act faces justice.”
Community members expressed outrage and concern over the escalating violence. “If security operatives can be attacked in broad daylight, what hope do civilians have?” asked a local elder who witnessed the second assault.
The incident has raised serious questions about rising insecurity and the boldness of criminal elements in confronting state-backed security forces. Many now fear that the presence of law enforcement is no longer a sufficient deterrent to violent crime in rural areas.
Despite the setback, the Amotekun Corps has vowed not to be intimidated. “We remain resolute in our mission to protect lives, properties, and the integrity of our communities,” Abass emphasized.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities say arrests are imminent.
