By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Tragedy struck in Osun State as suspected hoodlums ambushed and killed an operative of the Osun Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, during an encounter in the Iwo area of the state.

Another vigilante operative sustained gunshot injuries, while one remains missing following the deadly attack.

The slain operative, identified as Mr Lamidi Abiodun, was reportedly hacked to death by the assailants at Papa boundary, a farmland area in Iwo, during a joint operation with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

The Public Relations Officer of Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu Abass, who confirmed the incident, said the team was responding to a distress call from local farmers in the area who raised the alarm over an ongoing attack on their farms.

He explained that operatives of the corps, alongside members of the VGN, swiftly mobilised to the scene to repel the attackers and protect lives and property.

However, upon arrival, the team walked into an ambush allegedly orchestrated by a notorious criminal kingpin identified as Akeem Olofa.

“In the course of the confrontation, Mr Abiodun was attacked. Though the initial gunshots failed to penetrate his body, he was gruesomely macheted on the head and died on the spot,” Abass disclosed.

While many of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN, identified as Nurudeen Alowonle, was declared missing as of press time. Another operative, Alex Sola, was reportedly shot in the leg and is currently receiving treatment.

The gruesome murder of Mr Abiodun has thrown the Amotekun Corps and the entire security architecture in Osun into mourning, with tributes pouring in for the fallen operative, hailed as a hero who died in the line of duty.

The incident has since been reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo, while the corpse of the deceased has been deposited in a local mortuary pending further investigations.

Abass assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of what he described as a heinous and senseless crime.

“The Osun Amotekun Corps remains undeterred in its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.”

He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the late Abiodun as a gallant officer whose sacrifice would not be in vain.