Oyo APC condemns loss of 200 Amotekun operatives, calls it unacceptable and urges action against Makinde.

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called the reported loss of more than 200 members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, unacceptable.

The party made the statement on Thursday, issued by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare.

Governor Seyi Makinde had reportedly said that the state has lost over 200 Amotekun operatives.

In response, the APC asked the governor to provide more details about the claim.

The party said that additional information would help ensure that corps officials and all responsible residents are protected by his administration.

The APC also noted that deploying Amotekun personnel to hotels, properties and business facilities owned by individuals should be discouraged.

It stated that the corps should be deployed in accordance with its intended purpose.

APC concluded by suggesting that Amotekun operatives be re‑trained and equipped with the necessary tools.

“For Oyo to have recorded such a high number of fatalities among its security team indicates that crime rates in the state have reached a crescendo while the state government is covering up many issues,” the statement read.

“The governor’s revelation also raises many questions about the conditions of service within the Amotekun Corps. From our own discreet investigations, we found that Gov. Makinde has failed to create synergy between the Corps and federal security agencies due to needless ego and cluelessness,” the statement added.

“Meanwhile, it is important for Gov. Makinde to involve relevant security experts in the fight against crime in the state,” it continued.

“The practice of deploying Amotekun Corps members to man hotels, properties and business facilities belonging to friends and political associates of the governor should stop. Only competent personnel should be recruited, and training, retraining and good welfare packages must be put in place to allow officials to operate under minimal risk and high motivation,” the statement concluded.