Fulani herdsmen killings: Ogun begins recruitment of Amotekun operatives

Governor Dapo Abiodun has come under heavy criticism as a result of his refusal to inaugurate the Amotekun corps since it was passed into law by the Ogun State House of Assembly in 2020.

During his new year broadcast, Abiodun promised to inaugurate the security outfit in the month of January, but he is yet to do so as of February 12.

But a statement made available to DAILY POST by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, on Thursday night, confirmed the recruitment exercise.

“The Ogun State Government welcomes applications from qualified individuals interested in joining the Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun Corps),” it was stated.

According to the statement, interested applicants are advised to apply through the Ogun State job portal, http://jobs.ogunstate.gov.ng/job/ogun-state-security-network-agency-amotekun-corps-878.

Applicants were asked to fill both the online and downloaded application forms, two copies of which are to be submitted at the office of the Commander, Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps).

“Alternatively, interested candidates can visit the office of the So-Safe Corps, former Ministry of Works, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta to pick up the application form,” the statement added.

Our correspondent reports that the application closes on February 19, 2021.

DAILY POST recalls that after slaughtering a farmer, Dele Olowoniyi, at Oha village in Imeko-Afon on Sunday, suspected killer herdsmen had on Thursday launched another attack in Owode Ketu, to retaliate the burning of their settlement during Sunday Igboho’s visit to Igua, Yewa North Local Government of Ogun.

Confirming the incident, the lawmaker representing the State Constituency, Hon. Haruna Egungbohun, said in a statement that, “Fulani herders attacked Owode ketu in Eggua ward and killed no fewer than six people, leaving scores seriously injured.”

He disclosed that two other farmers were thrown into Yewa River after they were killed; telling the governor that, “this is the time we need the Amotekun corps to come out and support the Nigeria Police Force.”