Call Amotekun to order over killings, Ondo PDP tells Akeredolu

Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to call the operatives of Amotekun Corps to order over the recent deaths linked to the agency in the state.

The opposition party stated that there is a need for the Corps to be efficiently trained in handling of firearms, de-escalation techniques in conflicts, respect for human rights and community engagement.

The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, while decrying the number of deaths that had been allegedly caused by Amotekun operatives in the state, called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the security outfit.

Peretei said that if attempts were made to sweep the incidents under the carpet, the trust and confidence of the public in Amotekun would be eroded, as the recent developments have instilled fear and apprehension in the people.

The party also frowned on the move by the agency to shield its operatives involved in the incidents from prosecution, stressing that a decisive action would have sent a strong signal to other operatives.

The statement stated: “Amotekun is meant to ensure the safety and well-being of our local communities. However, the tragic events that unfolded recently demonstrate a severe deviation from this noble purpose. This dangerous trend of abuse and impunity should not be tolerated in any civilised society.

“What has come to the fore is the apparent lack of training for the Amotekun members and the quackery associated with its leadership. Otherwise, how does one explain this level of recklessness and lack of respect for human lives?

“There is an urgent need to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents in question. The government must ensure that investigation is carried out by an independent body free from any potential conflicts of interest.”

“The people deserve a security force that upholds the principles of justice, respects human rights and operates with the highest level of professionalism.

“We cannot allow Amotekun to continue to take laws into their hands, except that the people will not resist them. It is only a matter of time.

“The tears from the eyes of the families of the victims should not be allowed to dry before they get justice. No society can run freely on indiscipline, recklessness and lawlessness,” the statement added.