Tragedy struck in Osun State on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, after operatives of the Amotekun Corps were ambushed by gunmen in Ile-Ife, leaving three people dead.

According to a statement by the Amotekun Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Idowu Abass, the incident occurred when a four-man team of operatives was dispatched on motorcycles to Akinlalu community following a distress call from residents. The villagers had raised alarm over suspected bandits invading farmlands.

While en route, the operatives ran into an ambush staged by armed assailants. A gun battle ensued, during which two service rifles belonging to the corps were seized by the attackers.

Reinforcement was immediately deployed, but the backup team also came under heavy fire as the road leading to Akinlalu was barricaded. The confrontation lasted over an hour, with three people confirmed dead and three suspects arrested.

In a follow-up operation, Amotekun recovered the stolen rifles, force uniforms, and berets allegedly used by the attackers to impersonate security personnel.

Amotekun Corps Commander, Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, condemned the attack, stressing that the outfit remains undeterred in its mission to secure Osun State.

“This cowardly ambush will not deter our operatives from carrying out their duties. The safety and security of our people remain our utmost priority, and we will continue to pursue and dismantle all criminal networks in Osun,” he said.

Omoyele also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information.

Amotekun confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects in custody are being interrogated to unravel the full details of the attack. The corps assured residents that normalcy has been restored in Akinlalu and surrounding communities.