Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Politicians and parties have been urged to make their campaigns strictly issue-based and centred on ideas, competence, accountability and service to Nigerians.

The call was made by the Christian Conscience, a non-denominational pressure group, at the conclusion of its monthly meeting in Lagos on Tuesday.

In a statement by its National Chairman Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi and National Secretary-General, The Rev Kolawole Verrals and issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Elder Tunji Oguntuase, the organisation urged political actors to prioritise the issues that directly affect the lives and future of Nigerians rather than resort to personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and divisive politics. The group said political campaigns should give Nigerians a clear understanding of what each candidate and political party intends to do to address critical national challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic growth.

According to the statement, ‘Politicians should campaign with issues, not insults. Nigerians deserve to know what candidates intend to do about jobs, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy. Campaigns should be about presenting credible ideas and demonstrating the competence to deliver them.’

The Christian Conscience also cautioned Political actors against exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments for electoral advantage.

‘Nigeria belongs to all of us. Political leaders must resist the temptation to weaponise ethnicity or religion. Statements capable of inflaming ethnic, religious or regional tensions have no place in a healthy democracy,’ the group said.

The organisation called on politicians to maintain civility and respect for their opponents throughout the campaign period, noting that political competition should not destroy the relationships necessary for national development.

‘Political disagreement should never become personal hatred. Today’s opponent may become tomorrow’s partner in national development. Politicians must therefore compete vigorously while preserving mutual respect and the unity of the country,’ the statement added.

The group equally appealed to Political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and the use of political thugs during the electioneering period.

It urged political actors to refrain from mobilising groups to attack opponents or threaten voters, describing peaceful political participation as essential to credible elections and the stability of the country.

The Christian Conscience urged Nigerians to scrutinise the track record, policies, competence and character of candidates and to demand substantive answers to the challenges confronting the nation.

The group expressed hope that the 2027 election campaign would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to engage Political leaders on the future of the country and make informed choices based on issues rather than emotion, identity or intimidation.

AK Media Concepts Ltd is set to unveil its latest family drama series entitled The Family Man.

The Family Man is a compelling production exploring love, betrayal, family, crime, redemption and second chances.

According to a statement by the production company, the new series expands the company’s portfolio, which includes Family Ties, Face2Face, ‘Nowhere to Be Found,’ ‘City Buster,’ ‘Liberty Villa’ and ‘Oyinmomo,’ a magazine talk show.

The 30-minute drama-crime series centres on Banjo Balogun, a brilliant civil engineer played by Olarotimi Fakunle, who returns home after serving 10 years of a 21-year prison sentence following the governor’s prerogative of mercy. Expecting to reconnect with his wife and three children, Banjo discovers that his family has changed considerably during his years away.

His return is further complicated by his struggle to secure employment because of his criminal record. Once a respected engineer and provider, Banjo now finds himself struggling to get the attention of his family, especially his wife, Chioma, who has built a successful career and become the principal provider. The situation becomes more explosive when Chioma is revealed to be romantically involved with Iredia, Banjo’s best friend and marriage counsellor.

The series features a strong ensemble cast comprising Joy Nmezi, Nifemi Lawal, Jasmine Olarotimi, Eze Ukwa, Femi Branch, Akin Lewis, Kunle Dada, Modola Osifuwa, Kenny Ayanfe, Babaseun Faseru, Halimah Ganiyu and Chy Nwakama, alongside Fakunle.

The inclusion of established actors such as Branch and Lewis adds further depth and experience to the production.

Directed by Tunde Olaoye and executive-produced by Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, ‘The Family Man’ is set in contemporary Lagos.

Speaking on the project, the MD/CEO of AK Media Concepts Ltd, Mrs Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, described The Family Man as a multi-million-naira production designed to meet contemporary cinematic standards.

‘I want to assure our media partners, and the general public that our new series, The Family Man,’is a content designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. It is our biggest project in recent times, and we have produced it in line with today’s cinematic standards.

‘What we have come up with this time, is a big difference and a blockbuster to reckon with.’

Politicians have been warned by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu against using youths to fight battles against their opponents.

Disu said during the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja yesterday that the recruitment of youths to perpetrate violence destroys their future while politicians end up reconciling.

To the youths, he counselled them to deploy their influence positively by engaging in entrepreneurship, technology, education, creativity, public policy and community development rather than engaging in political thuggery.

The dialogue, themed ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations ‘ was organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate International Youth Day 2026.

The campaign for the event was ‘My Future is Greater than Political and Digital Thuggery.’

Disu’s warning came against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The police chief, who urged youths to resist being manipulated by politicians, said that Nigeria’s diversity in ethnicity, religion, geography, culture and political affiliation should not obscure the common aspirations of young people.

His words: ‘Politicians contest elections, but you(youths) live with the consequences of those elections.

Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future.’

He pointed out that the Police recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in political activities, support political parties, express their views and campaign for candidates of their choice.

The IGP assured that the police would not only protect Nigerians but also facilitate peaceful campaigns, secure candidates, campaign venues and safeguard the electoral environment.

He said apart from not tolerating the recruitment or mobilisation of youths for violence, anyone found using weapons for electoral purposes, attacking political opponents, intimidating/destroying public and private property would not be dealt with.

‘The law will take its course against anyone who crosses that line. And this message is not directed at one political party or one political interest. It is directed at everyone,’ Disu said.

He also identified social media as a new frontier of political conflict, warning that violence could now begin from smartphones before spilling into the streets.

Disu warned that misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes, online intimidation and coordinated digital attacks have the capacity to inflame communities and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

Disu urged Nigerians to always verify information before sharing and to consider the consequences of inflammatory online activities.

‘Think before you click. Verify before you share. Pause before you post,’ he said.

Disu said history would judge the current generation of Nigerian youths by how they responded when the country needed them, urging them to choose peace, innovation, responsible citizenship and democratic values.

‘I want history to remember this generation as the generation that refused to be used,’ he said.

He added that a Nigeria with educated, skilled, innovative and productive youths would be stronger, while a country whose young people were manipulated into violence, criminality and hatred would be the ultimate loser.

The IGP also urged Nigerian youths to protect, build and own their future, declaring that their future was greater than the challenges of today and should be used to build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

· Also yesterday, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace, tolerance and national unity ahead of the general election .

· Delivering a goodwill message at the Interfaith Prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu, in Abuja. Mahmoud said Christian and Muslim leaders should reject hate speech, violence, extremism and intolerance in their sermons and public engagements.

· She also called on churches, mosques and other places of worship to remain sanctuaries of peace, moral instruction, compassion and unity, stressing that religious differences must not become instruments of division.

Opposition political parties and ethnic youth leaders under the aegis of Opposition Party United for Democracy have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, over the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election.

At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the group described Tinubu and Amupitan as ‘new heroes of Nigerian democracy’ for their roles in conducting the election.

It also commended security agencies for their efforts in ensuring what it described as a free and credible poll, calling the Osun election a significant victory for democracy.

The coalition comprises members of some opposition parties and ethnic youth groups, including the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Ohanaeze Youth Movement, Middle Belt Youth Forum, Oduduwa Consultative Youth Movement, PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR).

The National Organising Secretary of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Obed Agu, who read the statement on behalf of the APP National Chairman, Chief Uchenna Nnadi, said the election demonstrated that Nigeria could organise competitive polls where voters freely express their choices.

Agu, however, urged the Federal Government and INEC to ensure that the standard witnessed in Osun was not an isolated development but formed the basis for a more credible 2027 general election.

He said the significance of the Osun election went beyond the victory or defeat of individual candidates and parties, and commended INEC, its chairman, Tinubu, security agencies, and the people of Osun State for their contributions to the electoral process.

According to him, the real test of any election was whether citizens could vote without intimidation and have their choices respected, declaring that the Osun experience had strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and offered important lessons ahead of the 2027 elections.

While paying special tribute to the INEC Chairman and his team, he stressed that the commission’s conduct in Osun had demonstrated the importance of an electoral umpire operating with independence and integrity, while the credibility of an election depended largely on the ability of the electoral commission to resist political pressure and allow voters to determine the outcome.

‘The most important achievement of any election is not necessarily who wins or who loses. It is whether the people believe that they had a genuine opportunity to determine their leadership through the ballot’.

He said the election in Osun has helped strengthen that confidence by creating an environment in which voters could exercise their constitutional rights and have their votes counted, insisting that INEC acted like an impartial referee whose responsibility was not to determine winners but to establish conditions under which the electorate could freely determine the outcome.

He said, ‘Mr Chairman, you have demonstrated through the Osun election that the credibility of an electoral institution ultimately depends on the courage, independence and integrity with which its leadership performs its constitutional responsibilities’

Agu said further that the INEC chairman, having emerged as a ‘new democratic hero’ following the Osun exercise, must allow the lessons from Osun to be institutionalised and replicated in subsequent elections across the country

He was of the view that President Tinubu deserve commendation for providing a level playing field for political parties during the election, saying democracy required more than the mere conduct of periodic elections, insisting that those in power must demonstrate the political maturity to allow citizens to freely choose their leaders even where the outcome might not favour the ruling party.

‘He allowed the electoral process to take its course. He allowed INEC to operate with the necessary independence. He allowed political parties to compete. And, most importantly, he demonstrated that the Federal Government can permit a genuinely competitive electoral process without seeking to predetermine the outcome,’ they said.

According to Agu, the group wants the President to sustain this approach ahead of 2027, arguing that the Osun election could serve as an important democratic precedent for the country.

‘The Osun experience provides an opportunity for the President and the Federal Government to establish a clear democratic precedent: that electoral power belongs ultimately to the Nigerian people, and that government must respect the sanctity of their votes.

‘Elections cannot be credible where voters are afraid to come out, electoral officials are threatened, materials cannot move safely, or political actors are allowed to intimidate their opponents,’ they said.

He said security agencies helped protect voters, electoral officials, and materials during the Osun election, allowing for a free election where people could exercise their franchise, and urged the agencies to maintain the same level of professionalism, neutrality, and restraint in future elections.

While also commending the people of Osun State for turning out to participate in the election and for demonstrating that political competition did not necessarily have to degenerate into violence, he describes the people of Osun State as the ‘real owners of democracy.’

According to him, political parties might nominate candidates, INEC might conduct elections, and security agencies might provide protection, but it was the people who ultimately conferred democratic legitimacy through their votes

While congratulating Governor Adeleke on his electoral victory and urged him to govern in the interest of every resident of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, saying ‘In a democracy, an election ends the contest but begins the responsibility to govern’.

The group, however, cautioned against portraying the Osun election as flawless, acknowledging that challenges might have occurred in logistics, administration, technology, and election-day operations, and insisting that credible democracy requires continuous improvement.

The group asked INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election review and engage political parties and other stakeholders to identify weaknesses and develop mechanisms for preventing their recurrence.

The group demanded improvements in the management of electoral materials, voter accreditation, results management, collation procedures, communication with political parties and the deployment of technology.

They warned that the next general election would attract intense scrutiny from Nigerians and the international community, stressing that the standard established in the coming months would determine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

They identified five conditions necessary for credible elections: independent electoral management, a level playing field, professional security agencies, freedom for voters to cast their ballots and an outcome that reflects the will of the electorate.

‘If political parties can compete, if INEC can operate independently, if the Federal Government can provide a level playing field, if security agencies can remain professional, if voters can cast their ballots without intimidation, and if the outcome can reflect the will of the electorate, then Nigeria has demonstrated that credible elections are possible,’ they said.

‘There is therefore no justification for lowering the standard in 2027. Osun must not be an exception; Osun must become the benchmark.’

The opposition parties and youth leaders called on INEC to build upon the Osun experience, the Federal Government to sustain what they described as the principle of non-interference, and security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism, while political parties must respect democratic rules.

They said parties could not demand credible elections from INEC and government institutions while denying their own members transparent processes for choosing candidates and leaders.

‘The sanctity of the ballot must begin with the internal democracy of political parties,’ they said.

They called for transparent nomination processes and urged political parties to resolve internal disagreements through established democratic and legal mechanisms rather than violence or intimidation.

The opposition parties and ethnic youth leaders also appealed to Nigerians not to become cynical about democracy despite the challenges confronting the country’s political system.

They said there were legitimate concerns about Nigeria’s electoral process but maintained that there were also reasons for optimism.

They argued that every improvement in the conduct of elections strengthened democracy, just as every acceptance of electoral outcomes by political leaders reinforced democratic culture.

‘Every time an election is conducted more credibly than the one before it, our democracy becomes stronger. Every time a political leader accepts the will of the people, democracy becomes stronger. Every time an electoral umpire refuses to compromise the integrity of the ballot, democracy becomes stronger.

‘And every time security agencies protect voters rather than intimidate them, democracy becomes stronger. And every time citizens insist that their votes must count, Nigeria becomes stronger’, they said.

They urged INEC, the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and citizens to collectively ensure that the next general elections were conducted with an even higher standard of transparency, neutrality, professionalism and respect for the people’s will.

According to them, ‘Osun has shown us what is possible. Now, Nigeria must build on it. The 2027 elections must be conducted with an even higher standard of transparency, neutrality, professionalism and respect for the will of the people’.

Actors from the Yoruba film industry held a special prayer session for veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as he continues to battle health challenges.

In a video circulating on social media on Friday, several prominent Yoruba film stars gathered to pray for Allah’s mercy, divine intervention, strength and complete healing for the actor.

Those present included Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun (aka Madam Saje), Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami, Mr Latin, Adewale Elesho and Antar Laniyan.

The prayer session comes amid growing concern over Ogogo’s health.

His family and colleagues have urged Nigerians to keep praying for him.

Earlier this week, Kosoko appealed to fans and well-wishers to continue praying for Ogogo.

In a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday, he also explained why the actor could not be moved to another facility despite offers of spiritual and medical help, citing his current medical condition.

The appeal followed an emotional request from Ogogo’s daughters, who sought medical assistance for their father amid reports that he is battling stage-four cancer.

The veteran’s condition has triggered an outpouring of support from across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues asking the public to keep him in their prayers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Mukhtar Galadima, has commended the military and other security agencies for rescuing 18 kidnapped victims in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.

Galadima, in a statement reacting to the development, described the operation as a major boost to efforts to restore peace and confidence in communities threatened by kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He specifically praised troops of Sector 3 deployed in Ibi for their swift response to reports of kidnapping at Kwatan Bajji in the early hours of August 18, which led to the recovery of the victims.

The PDP candidate said the successful operation should reassure residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency that the nation’s security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property and to confronting criminal elements operating in the area.

He congratulated the rescued victims and their families, urging security agencies not to relent until all criminal networks responsible for attacks in the area are identified and brought to justice.

Galadima, however, called for stronger collaboration among the military, police, and other security and intelligence agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering and information sharing.

According to him, effective intelligence remains critical to preventing attacks, tracking criminal networks, and disrupting their operations before they can unleash violence on communities.

He also advocated stronger legislative and institutional support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to improve their operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Galadima said the government must invest more in modern surveillance equipment, intelligence infrastructure, logistics, and the welfare of security personnel to enable them to confront emerging security threats effectively.

He stressed that security operations should move beyond responding to attacks after they occur to developing a proactive system capable of detecting criminal movements and preventing attacks before they happen.

The candidate also urged residents of Wukari/Ibi to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities in their communities.

He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and other residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, noting that community-based intelligence could play a crucial role in preventing kidnapping and other crimes.

Galadima cautioned residents against withholding useful information out of fear, stressing that early reporting of suspicious movements could prevent crimes and save lives.

He also urged security agencies to protect the identities of credible informants and strengthen confidence in community intelligence networks.

While commending the Federal Government for supporting security operations, Galadima said that sustained investment in security personnel, equipment, intelligence and operational capacity remained essential to achieving lasting peace in Taraba State.

He expressed optimism that stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved legislation, community participation and sustained government support would significantly reduce kidnapping and other forms of crime across Wukari, Ibi and other vulnerable communities in the state.

Arsenal’s new signing Bruno Guimaraes is doubtful for today’s Premier League opener against promoted Coventry City, manager Mikel Arteta said as he acknowledged that they must try to keep ?players fit as they face the task of defending the title.

Brazil midfielder Guimaraes joined Newcastle United this month for a fee put at £75 million ($102 million) by British media. The 28-year-old applied ice to his leg after he came off in Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City.

‘It’s evolving well, but?let’s see,’ Arteta told reporters on Thursday about Guimaraes’ fitness problem.

Injuries threatened Arsenal’s title ?charge last term as they missed key players at crucial times, with Kai ?Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and others absent for long periods.

‘The more dominant we are, the ?bigger the margins, the better… we need to improve the availability of the squad in certain ?areas in order for those margins to become much bigger,’ Arteta said.

Arsenal, third on the all-time list with 14 English top-flight titles, have never retained the Premier League trophy, although they won three championships in a row ?back in the 1930s, but Arteta said this season feels different.

‘I feel good. Different. Hopefully better. ?More excited than ever, hungrier than ever … I have no question that our players have the desire. Now it’s ?we have to do daily,’ he said.

Arteta said Arsenal were trying to reinforce their defensive options amid media reports saying they have agreed a £51 million deal with Aston Villa to sign England centre-back Ezri Konsa.

‘When we’re ready to announce something, we’ll let you ?know,’ the Spaniard added.

Arteta ?also put to bed ?reports linking the versatile Myles Lewis-Skelly with a move away from Arsenal, saying he was ‘100% sure’ that the 19-year-old would remain at the club.

But ?the manager acknowledged that some players might have to leave, amid speculation ?that Gabriel Martinelli, ?Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri could depart.

‘It’s a really, really tough moment … but you have to face it with a real honesty and transparency,’ he said.

‘We all know everything has a start and an ?end. ?When it ends, our job and duty is to do ?it in the best possible way, with respect and admiration for the player and the relationship. But at the end, ?we need to make difficult decisions.’

The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has written to President Bola Tinubu, appealing for a structured dialogue involving the Presidency, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to address what it describes as a sustained decline in Nigerian football.

In the letter, copied to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, ANFASSC – recognised by the Confederation of African Football and endorsed by FIFA – stressed it was not seeking government interference in the NFF’s statutory independence under FIFA and CAF rules, but a partnership-based engagement to chart ‘a new, progressive course’ for the sport.

The club’s request is threefold: a transparent dialogue between the Presidency, the NSC, the NFF and recognised stakeholders; a shared push to build a ‘modern, well-governed and competitive football ecosystem’; and a timeframe from the President’s office for when such engagement could begin.

ANFASSC’s appeal traces Nigerian football’s slide from the peak of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U-17 World Cup double under the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF, which took office in October 2014, through to the current administration of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in office since October 2022.

The Super Eagles missed the 2015 and 2017 AFCON tournaments, and the decline has deepened since. Nigeria’s U-23 side missed both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, while the CHAN Eagles missed the 2022 edition of their tournament. The Flying Eagles were eliminated from 2027 U-20 AFCON qualification after a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in August, and Nigeria’s U-17 side failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and, in turn, the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Most significantly, the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties in the November 2025 African play-off final, missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing their play-off to South Africa.

ANFASSC noted this marks the first time both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons will be absent from their respective World Cups in the same cycle.

‘ANFASSC does not raise these concerns to assign blame but to responsibly highlight a pattern that calls for thoughtful, forward-looking intervention,’ the letter states.

The club said it envisions the requested engagement leading to renewed investment in grassroots and age-grade development, stronger coaching structures, improved player and official welfare, and a more transparent governance framework, and offered itself as a ‘constructive partner’ in the process.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omisore, has commended the people of Ile-Ife for their support for the governor in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

Omisore, in a statement on Friday, said the four local government areas that make up the Ife Federal Constituency collectively delivered 75,758 votes to Adeleke.

He described the result as a demonstration of the people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership during his first term.

According to him, Ife East recorded 27,201 votes, Ife Central 21,171, Ife North 13,879 and Ife South 13,507 votes for Adeleke.

Omisore attributed the result to what he described as Adeleke’s performance and growing political support in the ancient city, particularly in Ife East, where the governor’s margin, according to him, rose from a deficit of 1,282 votes in 2022 to 27,201 votes on August 15.

‘This unified support of 75,758 votes from all zones of Ile-Ife demonstrates the people’s confidence in Governor Adeleke’s vision and leadership,’ Omisore said.

‘The victory we are celebrating is not Ile-Ife’s alone. It belongs to all the sons and daughters of Osun State who believed in Governor Adeleke’s vision and worked tirelessly to deliver this mandate,’ he added.

The governor’s aide also commended youths, students, traders, farmers, professionals, political leaders and community elders in Ile-Ife for their contributions to the election.

He commended the traditional institution in Ile-Ife, particularly the Ooni of Ife, for what he described as its contribution to a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

Omisore expressed optimism that Adeleke would use his second term to implement projects and policies aimed at improving infrastructure, economic opportunities and youth empowerment in Ile-Ife.

He urged residents of Ile-Ife and Osun State to sustain the unity displayed during the election, stressing that the mandate had placed a responsibility on the re-elected administration to deliver on its promises.

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.