Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has been urged to intervene and halt the alleged misuse of the Amotekun Corps by politicians in the state.
Concerns have emerged that some politicians are turning the state security outfit into personal bodyguards, deviating from its core responsibilities.
Amotekun, officially the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), was established on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to assist police, other security agencies, and traditional rulers in addressing security challenges in the South-West.
The outfit’s mandate includes combating terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and settling disputes between herders and farmers.
However, reports by Starnews NG claim that instead of securing public institutions like schools and hospitals, some Amotekun officers are now assigned to protect politicians and influential personalities in Ondo State.
This shift has raised concerns over the outfit straying from its original mission.
Sources disclosed that the redeployment of Amotekun personnel has left key public facilities unprotected.
Government hospitals have reportedly witnessed thefts, with patients being robbed of their belongings while receiving treatment due to the absence of security officers. Public schools, once under Amotekun’s watch, are also now left without adequate security as operatives are stationed with political elites.
Critics argue that the monopolisation of Amotekun personnel by a privileged few is leaving the larger public vulnerable to insecurity.
They warn that the continued deviation from Amotekun’s mandate could erode public confidence in the outfit and create a system that favours the rich and powerful at the expense of ordinary citizens.
In light of this, Starnews NG has called on Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Amotekun commander, Akogun Adeleye, to take immediate steps to restore Amotekun officers to their original duties. They urged the governor to prioritise public safety over the interests of political elites.
Additionally, the governor has been advised to caution his aides and political associates against using Amotekun officers as personal security personnel, as such a practice could damage the reputation and effectiveness of the corps.
Amotekun was designed to provide security for the people and ensure the safety of communities. With increasing calls from the public, Governor Aiyedatiwa is expected to reaffirm the outfit’s mandate and ensure it stays focused on its role of protecting the general populace.
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