By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Dr. Adekunle Omoyele, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Monday night after being ambushed by heavily armed, unidentified gunmen in Osogbo.
The ambush occurred at approximately 10:05 pm along Ikirun Road, near Kobo, beside Charity Hotel, shortly after Omoyele had closed from duty at the Amotekun Corps Headquarters.
According to reports, Omoyele was driving home alone in his personal two-door vehicle when the attack occurred.
“I had just left the office and was heading home,” he recounted from his hospital bed. “As I approached Kobo, an unknown vehicle suddenly pulled up beside mine. The occupants, whose faces were covered, immediately opened fire. Bullets rained on my car. I was hit, but I didn’t stop. I kept driving through the gunfire and managed to escape.”
Omoyele sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility. Medical sources confirm that his condition is stable, and he is under tight protective security watch.
In a disturbing escalation of events, around 15 masked armed men reportedly stormed Omoyele’s private residence later that same night. Eyewitnesses say the attackers arrived in a Hilux van and a Toyota Highlander SUV, suggesting the operation was well-coordinated and premeditated.
The case has been formally reported to the Ota-Efun Police Division, and security agencies have launched a full investigation. So far, no group has claimed responsibility, and the motive for the attack remains unknown.
Security experts and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack, calling it a direct affront to the integrity of local security institutions.
“This is more than an attempt on one man’s life,” a senior security analyst remarked. “It’s a direct strike against a symbol of grassroots security. If security heads are being targeted, what message does that send to citizens?”
The Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established to tackle community-level crime, plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace across the South-West. The attempted assassination has therefore triggered widespread concern among residents and stakeholders.
Community leaders and civil society organisations are calling on the Osun State Government and security agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
In light of the incident, citizens are urged to remain alert, report any suspicious activity to law enforcement, and support the ongoing efforts of local security agencies to maintain peace and order.