The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has narrated how a fleeing hoodlum shot dead a man while attempting to disarm one of its operatives deployed to maintain law and order at a masquerade festival in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased was identified as one of the followers of a masquerade known as Orogunmeji in the town.
The victim, identified as Abiodun was allegedly gunned down on Monday, May 6, 2025 while the masquerade was processing round the town during the festival.
Eyewitnesses revealed that some persons had struggled to dispossess an Amotekun agent of his gun when a disagreement broke out.
At the point of dragging the rifle with the operative, there was said to be an accidental discharge which hit Abiodun’s leg.
Efforts made to save the life of Abiodun who was rushed to a hospital proved abortive as he gave up the ghost the next day.
The Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, adding that the head of the Orogunmej masquerade team has been invited for questioning.
Meanwhile, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Isaac Omoyele clarified that the corps’ personnel was not responsible for the shooting of the masquerade follower.
Quoting Omoyele, the Public Relations Officer of the Corps in a statement on Friday, explained that “The unfortunate incident occurred during the celebration of the annual masquerade festival, where operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps were officially invited to provide security and maintain peace and order throughout the event. Contrary to the false narratives being peddled, no Amotekun personnel intentionally or mistakenly fired at any individual.”
Omoyele said that during the course of duty at the event, some hoodlums launched an unprovoked attack on one of the Corps’ operatives which later resulted in the casualty.
“In the course of attempting to disarm the officer, one of the attackers forcefully pulled the trigger, discharging a round from the firearm. Tragically, the bullet struck an innocent bystander, identified as a follower of the masquerade.
“The hoodlums, after executing this heinous act, fled the scene without successfully seizing the weapon. Swiftly, the Amotekun Corps reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force, and both agencies have since commenced joint efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits behind the violent disruption.
“The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.
“We urge the public to disregard any misleading reports suggesting that Amotekun operatives were responsible for the shooting. These allegations are unfounded and do not reflect the facts of the matter,” the statement read.