Adekunle Omoyele, the commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, escaped an assassination attempt after an ambush by gunmen in Osogbo on Monday.

The attempted assassination was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson for the corps, Abass Yusuf, on Tuesday.

Mr Yusuf said the ambush occurred on Monday at about 10:05 p.m. on Ikirun Road, opposite the Charity Hotel in Osogbo. He explained that the commander was driving home alone after official work when some gunmen opened fire on him, leaving his vehicle riddled with bullets.

“It is deeply troubling that the Amotekun commander could be targeted in such a coordinated and vicious manner.

“Apart from the attack the same day yesterday, 15 unidentified armed men, masked, reportedly stormed Omoyele’s private residence, and witnesses claimed the attackers arrived in a Hilux van and a Toyota Highlander SUV,” Mr Yusuf disclosed.

According to him, the attack on the top-ranking security official raises questions about rising insecurity among those who are tasked with the responsibility of protecting the people of the state.

“The corps urged citizens to remain calm and also report any suspicious activities to local security agencies for prompt responses and actions.

“The attack is not just an attack on one man but on the symbol of the localised security structure,” Mr Yusuf said.

He further stated that the commander sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility under protective watch.

Mr Yusuf, however, said the case has been reported to the Ota-Efun police division, and investigations are ongoing.