The Osun State Police Command has arrested five operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, for their alleged involvement in an attack that led to the deaths of residents in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement on Wednesday night, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended following investigations into the September 30, 2025, incident, during which Amotekun operatives allegedly invaded Akinlalu in retaliation for two pump-action rifles reportedly seized from them by unknown persons.

According to Ojelabi, the operatives stormed the community in official patrol and private vehicles, shooting sporadically and inflicting gunshot injuries on three persons — Adeagbo Kadijat, 22; Oke-Ila Oyebamiji, 60; and Fayomi Toheeb, 19.

Three others — Ibrahim Oyebamiji, 26; Sefiu Oyebamiji; and Abiola Olutayo — were allegedly killed, with their corpses reportedly taken away by the operatives.

He added that police investigations confirmed that the attackers were members of the Osun Amotekun Corps, and that witnesses identified some of the suspects now in custody. He further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to arrest others still at large.

Ojelabi also accused the Amotekun Commander in Osun State, Isaac Omoyele, of evading police invitation over the case.

He said Omoyele had switched off his phones and instead staged an alleged assassination attempt to mislead the public and derail police investigation.

“The Commander of Amotekun Corps has refused to honour the police invitation. Instead, he took to social media to claim he was attacked by unknown gunmen — a claim our preliminary enquiry revealed to be fictitious and aimed at obstructing justice,” Ojelabi stated.

He added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Department to take over the case for a comprehensive investigation.

Meanwhile, the Osun Amotekun Corps, in its defence, claimed the incident was a gun battle with armed hoodlums who had earlier ambushed its operatives responding to a distress call in Akinlalu.

In a separate statement, the Corps spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, said the attackers had earlier seized three rifles from Amotekun operatives, prompting a reinforcement team to respond.

He explained that during the ensuing confrontation, three people, believed to be among the attackers, lost their lives, while others were injured or arrested.

According to Yusuf, the Corps later recovered two of its stolen rifles, along with uniforms and berets, from the hideout of the assailants.

He maintained that the operatives acted in defence while responding to a security emergency and did not deliberately attack residents.

Police assured that Osun State remains peaceful and urged residents to disregard unverified claims as investigations continue.