One year after the Akinlalu killings in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, the mother of two victims, Alaba Oyebamiji, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to ensure the release of her sons’ remains for burial.
Oyebamiji said her sons, Ismaila and Sefiu, were among those killed during the September 30, 2025, incident involving operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun.
She said the continued uncertainty over the whereabouts of the remains had prolonged the family’s grief and prevented them from giving her sons a proper burial.
“My heart is still heavy over the killing of my two sons. I am sad and heartbroken, but I have been consoled by the word of God,” she said.
Oyebamiji said she had made several attempts to secure the release of the bodies without success. She added that Ismaila was killed while his wife was pregnant, leaving the newborn child in her care.
The traditional ruler of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Aborisade, said community leaders had met with government and police officials over the matter but had not been given a definite timeline for the release of the remains.
“We have made several moves on this matter. We have met with the governor and the police over the release of the bodies, but they kept telling us to exercise patience,” the monarch said.
The community’s youth leader, Musibau Adeboye, said the priority was now the release of the victims’ remains rather than compensation.
“Government has done its best for the victims by compensating the families. But our demand now is for the release of the victims’ remains,” he said.
The September 30, 2025, incident sparked controversy after residents accused Amotekun operatives of invading Akinlalu and shooting residents. The security corps, however, said its operatives were ambushed by suspected hoodlums while responding to a distress call, resulting in a gun battle in which three people were killed.
The Osun State Police Command subsequently called for an investigation, while five Amotekun operatives were reported arrested over their alleged involvement in the incident. The Inspector-General of Police also directed a special team to take over the investigation.
In October 2025, Governor Adeleke visited Akinlalu and said those responsible would face the law, while promising support for the victims’ families.
A year later, the affected families are still seeking the release of the remains and clarity over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
