Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that more than 200 Amotekun Corps operatives have lost their lives in the battle against insecurity across the state.
The governor made the disclosure while visiting families of pupils and teachers abducted during the recent attacks on schools in the Oriire area of Ogbomoso.
Speaking with grieving families, Makinde acknowledged their pain and assured them that government authorities were doing everything possible to secure the safe return of the victims.
According to him, the current security challenge requires cooperation and unity rather than political blame games.
“This is not the time to blame the federal, state or local government. This is the time for all of us to come together and rescue our children and their teachers,” the governor said.
Makinde also paid tribute to security personnel who have lost their lives while protecting residents, particularly members of the Amotekun Corps.
The governor disclosed that over 200 officers of the South-West security outfit have died in active service since its creation.
“Many of them go into dangerous operations and never return. More than 200 Amotekun personnel have paid the ultimate price in the fight against insecurity,” he stated.
He stressed that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and vowed that their deaths would not be in vain.
The governor further noted that public frustration over rising insecurity is understandable but maintained that efforts to tackle criminal activities are ongoing despite criticism from various quarters.
Makinde also renewed his call for the creation of state police, arguing that localised policing remains one of the most effective ways to combat insecurity.
According to him, the Amotekun Corps was established as a temporary solution after hopes for state police failed to materialise.
“We wanted state police, but when it became clear it would not happen, we created Amotekun as a stop-gap measure,” he explained.
The governor urged the Federal Government to accelerate discussions on state policing, insisting that communities would be better protected if states had greater control over their security architecture.
His comments come amid growing concerns over school kidnappings, bandit attacks, and other security threats affecting several parts of the country.
