The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has asked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to investigate the ‘series of killings’ of innocent people carried out by operatives of the Amotekun Corps, who are being paid with the taxpayers’ funds in the state. 

The opposition party, in a statement issued on Wednesday, lamented that the killings have made nonsense of the marginal gains recorded by the local security outfit since its formation. 

In the statement signed by its spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, the party said the excesses of the operatives of the Amotekun Corps, in the last two weeks, have drawn tears from the eyes of several families in Ondo. 

The statement came after operatives of the local security outfit allegedly tortured a 14-year-old boy, Ayomide Adeghalu, to death in Ondo for being unable to account for the paltry sum of N500 in sales. 

“These series of killings by a security outfit of the government, maintained with public funds, is to say least, very devastating. The families of the deceased are crying for help and calling for justice. Only God knows if help will ever come their way.

“The grievous disregard for human life and the reckless actions of those entrusted with public safety cannot be ignored. It has become necessary to urge Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to address this matter with utmost urgency,” Mr Peretei said in the copy of the statement obtained by Peoples Gazette. 

In July 2022, the students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, bombarded the Governor’s office, Akure to protest the killing of one Folarera Ademola, an ND1 student in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology by the Amotekun Corps. 

Also, a final year Economics student of the Federal University of Akure, (FUTA) was hit by a stray bullet yet-to-be-identified Amotekun corp member around Shoprite in the state capital. 

The incident led to the shutting down of the roundabouts leading to the popular Akure Shopping Mall protest by the students of the University, to express their anger. 

Positing further, the PDP said that the Amotekun Corps was meant to ensure the safety and well-being of the local communities but has continued to deviate from its noble purpose. 

The opposition party specifically noted that the dangerous trend of abuse and impunity would no longer be tolerated in any civilised society.

It added that what has come to the fore was the apparent lack of training for the operatives of the Amotekun Corps and the quackery associated with its leadership.

“The current situation raises serious doubts about the training, supervision, and discipline within Amotekun. Otherwise, how does one explain this level of recklessness and lack of respect for human lives?

“These incidents have eroded the trust and confidence that the community once had in Amotekun. Rather than fostering a sense of security, their actions have instilled fear and apprehension among the people they are meant to protect. It is essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and restore faith in an Agency that was initially celebrated,” the party said.

According to the party, “There is an urgent need to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents in question. The government must ensure that this investigation is carried out by an independent body, free from any potential conflicts of interest. Hold all individuals involved accountable for their actions if found responsible for the unnecessary loss of life. This should include a fair legal process and appropriate disciplinary measures.

“It has also become necessary to re-assess and enhance the training programs provided to the members of Amotekun. Emphasize the importance of de-escalation techniques, human rights, and community engagement to prevent future occurrences of excessive use of force.

“Improve transparency and accountability mechanisms within Amotekun. Establish robust systems for monitoring and reporting incidents of misconduct, and provide avenues for the public to voice their concerns and file complaints against any misconduct they witness.”

The party added, “Foster community dialogue and engagement between Amotekun and the residents they serve. Encourage open discussions, community meetings, and initiatives to bridge the gap and rebuild trust.

It is imperative that immediate action is taken to rectify these grave issues within Amotekun.”

While stressing that the party cannot allow Amotekun to continue to take laws into their hands, the opposition party said the security outfit should expect that the people would resist them. 

“The people deserve a security force that upholds the principles of justice, respects human rights, and operates with the highest level of professionalism.

“The tears from the eyes of the families of the victims should not be allowed to dry before they get justice. No society can run freely on indiscipline, recklessness and lawlessness,” the statement further read.