Two officers of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) have been killed after armed men ambushed a joint security team in Ago Oyinbo village, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred last week when the operatives were reportedly attacked as they left their base in the village.
The spokesperson for the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Jimoh Adeniken, confirmed the deaths of the two officers in a statement issued on Friday, commiserating with their families and colleagues.
Adeniken said the assailants opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire between the security personnel and the attackers.
He explained that the security agencies were ambushed by suspected criminal elements, adding that despite the operatives’ resistance, two of them sustained fatal injuries and died in the attack.
Adeniken added that the command immediately deployed reinforcements to the area to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He said the Amotekun Corps had also intensified patrols, security operations and intelligence gathering in the affected area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of the safety of their lives and property.
‘The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, remains resolute and will not be deterred by the unfortunate incident.
‘The Corps, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to protect lives and property and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,’ he said.
The spokesperson called on residents to remain calm and vigilant, and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
He said the state government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, commiserated with the families, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen officers, while saluting their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased officers lauded the state government and the Amotekun Corps management for the arrangements made for the burial of their loved ones.
The families appealed to the government to remember them in future recruitment exercises into the Corps and to consider other benefits due to the dependants of the fallen officers.