By Peace Erewunmi

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, have been killed in the course of fighting insecurity in the state.

Makinde made the revelation while speaking on the rising security challenges in Oyo State, noting that the operatives paid the ultimate price while confronting criminal elements in various parts of the state.

The governor explained that the sacrifices of the Amotekun personnel often go unnoticed, stressing that they are regularly deployed into dangerous operations aimed at curbing kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.

He described the situation as deeply painful and called for stronger collective efforts from all levels of government and communities to address insecurity and end the recurring bloodshed.

Makinde also reiterated the need for unity among security agencies, traditional institutions, and residents in tackling criminal activities, saying no single tier of government can solve the problem alone.

Amotekun, a regional security outfit established by the six South-West states, was created to support conventional security agencies in addressing local security threats across the region.

As of the time of filing this report, the government had not released detailed breakdowns of the incidents leading to the deaths of the operatives.