By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The Osun State Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) has condemned the killings in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, demanding justice, accountability, and a total overhaul of the state’s security structure.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Waheed Lawal, and made available to journalists in Osogbo, the group described the killings as “gruesome, barbaric, and avoidable,” holding operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, responsible.
According to the statement, the attack, during which unarmed men, women, youths, and even children were reportedly shot without provocation, exposes what it called “the alarming decay” in the state’s security system.
While Amotekun officials claimed that they were involved in a gun duel, the Coalition dismissed the explanation as “baseless and deceptive.”
Citing eyewitness accounts, the OCSC alleged that Amotekun operatives opened fire indiscriminately, targeted innocent bystanders, and removed victims’ bodies unlawfully. The group described the development as a “shocking abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.”
The Coalition also criticised the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the Osun State Police Command for what it described as their failure to act proactively or respond swiftly to the situation, accusing both agencies of negligence.
“Their failure to gather intelligence, detect threats, and act swiftly amounts to gross negligence and complicity,” the statement said.
OCSC further faulted the state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke for what it called a delayed and insufficient response to the crisis. It noted that it took four days and public outrage before the government announced an investigation into the incident.
The group outlined five major demands:
Immediate suspension of Amotekun operations across Osun State and prosecution of all operatives involved in the Akinlalu killings.
Establishment of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Cap 138, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
Compensation for victims and their families in accordance with Section 314 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015).
Public release of all investigation findings within seven days.
Urgent reform of the Amotekun Corps to ensure compliance with human rights standards, improved training, and community-based oversight mechanisms.
Despite the outrage, the OCSC appealed to residents of Akinlalu and neighbouring communities to remain calm and law-abiding while urging them to gather evidence and demand justice through peaceful means.
The group also called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter to ensure that justice is not denied.
Describing the Akinlalu killings as a test for democratic accountability in Osun State, Dr. Lawal vowed that the Coalition would continue to press for justice.
“We will not allow this massacre to be silenced or buried under political manipulation. The blood of these innocent citizens will not be in vain,” he declared.
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Osun State Government to act decisively. Rights groups and legal observers are also closely monitoring developments, amid concerns that the case could either lead to long-overdue security reforms or fade into bureaucratic obscurity.