Osogbo, Osun state - Residents of the Itaapa community in Atakumosa-East local government area (LGA) of Osun state on Wednesday, June 4, staged a protest.

As reported by Vanguard, the protesters stormed the Amotekun command headquarters protesting the alleged indiscriminate arrest and detention of leaders of the town.

The protesters bearing placards with inscriptions such as “Embarrassment, Amotekun De-robed our chiefs”, “Osun Amotekun has become a political tool”, Amotekun supporting criminals”, among others urged Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to look into the situation.

Addressing newsmen at the protest scene, the leader of the protesters, Olusegun Owoeye, stated that the community has been deserted following the indiscriminate arrest and detention of residents by Amotekun operatives.

His words:

"It is unfortunate that Amotekun subjected itself to the whims and caprices of criminals terrorising our community over time. It is on record that some criminals already arrested by the police and others on the wanted list for terrorising the community have now turned around using the community through PDP leaders to hunt innocent residents of Itaapa.

"After the terror acts of the said criminals, including Bode Itaapa in police custody, the community was advised to form a vigilante group by the police to watch over itself. Those under the said vigilante, having prevented criminals from extorting and harassing residents are now being arrested by the police. Ten community leaders are also in their custody for over five days now."

Owoeye added:

“We demand their release and called on Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP) to order a proper investigation into the present situation in the community."

Meanwhile, reacting, Osun Amotekun Corps Commandant Adekunle Omoyele, said those arrested by Amotekun were being investigated for criminal activities, adding that the corps has laid down procedure for arrest and investigation which it followed to the letter in the case at hand.

He said:

"We arrested suspects with pump action rifles, who claimed to be members of vigilante in the state. The people they mentioned during the investigation were also arrested and being investigated.

"There is no need to drag politics into pure criminal issues. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that Justice is dispensed in the case."

Read more Osun state news:

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a 26-year-old man, Saheed Babatunde, confessed to stealing iron pots in Osogbo, Osun state, saying he needed money to finance the naming ceremony of his newborn child.

Babatunde was paraded by Amotekun operatives at the corps' headquarters in Osogbo alongside other criminal suspects.

According to officials, he had previously been arrested, charged, and sentenced for a similar offence.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng