By Taiwo Scholarstica
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described the reported death of more than 200 members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, as disturbing and unacceptable.
The party called on Governor Seyi Makinde to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide better protection for security personnel and residents of the state.
The Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan.
The statement followed Governor Makinde’s disclosure that over 200 Amotekun officers had lost their lives while serving the state. The governor made the remark during a sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area after suspected bandits killed two people and abducted over 40 school children and their teachers.
The governor, however, did not provide details on when or how the Amotekun officers died.
Reacting, the APC said the revelation raised concerns about the security situation in the state and questioned why details about the deaths had not been made public.
The party said the families of the affected officers deserved to know what happened and called for more transparency from the state government.
APC also raised concerns about the working conditions of Amotekun officers, urging the government to provide proper training, welfare packages and stronger cooperation with other security agencies.
The party advised the governor to involve security experts in tackling crime and ensure that Amotekun officers are deployed mainly for security duties.
It also called for better recruitment processes and improved support for the corps members to enable them carry out their duties effectively.
The APC stressed that protecting the lives of security personnel and residents should remain a priority for the state government.