The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to provide details surrounding the reported death of more than 200 operatives of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, while on active duty.

It would be recalled that there was a report quoting Makinde as saying that over 200 Amotekun operatives died in service.

The governor had reportedly disclosed during a sympathy visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area affected by recent bandit attacks and school abductions that the state had lost over 200 Amotekun personnel in active service.

However, the governor did not provide details regarding the incidents that led to the casualties.

The opposition party described the revelation as disturbing, alarming and unacceptable, insisting that the state government owed residents and the families of the deceased operatives a full explanation of the circumstances leading to the reported fatalities.

Reacting in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olawale Sadare, the APC expressed concern over what it termed the governor’s failure to furnish the public with information on the deaths.

The party also accused the governor of showing insufficient sensitivity to the families and loved ones of the affected operatives.

According to the APC, the reported casualty figure raises serious questions about the security situation in the state and the operational conditions under which Amotekun personnel work.

The party argued that such a high number of fatalities among security operatives suggests that criminal activities may be more widespread than officially acknowledged, while also calling for greater transparency from the government.

It urged the state government to improve collaboration between Amotekun and federal security agencies, alleging that a lack of effective synergy had weakened efforts to combat crime.

The APC also called for improved welfare packages, regular training and retraining programmes, and better operational support for Amotekun personnel to reduce risks associated with their duties.

The party advised the governor to engage experienced security experts in tackling the state’s security challenges and ensure that the corps is deployed strictly for its primary mandate of safeguarding lives and property.

It also stressed the need for adequate protection for both security operatives and residents amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.