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No person died during Amotekun recruitment training — Abass
The Osun Amotekun Corps has debunked claims of fatalities during the recruitment training, affirming that all applicants who experienced health issues were treated and are currently recovering.
The security outfit also refuted allegations of political bias in its recent recruitment exercise, describing the claims as malicious and baseless.
Speaking at a press conference at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, on Friday, the Board Chairman of the Corps, AIG Wale Abass (Rtd), revealed that those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering.
Abass also insisted that the recruitment process was transparent and merit-based, with no consideration for political affiliations.
He further stated that the allegations were the result of certain individuals trying to exploit the situation for political gain.
The security outfit’s response follows the circulation of a video online containing various allegations against it.
In the video, which was viewed by a Ekwutosblog reporter, some individuals claimed that three Amotekun cadets had died and that their names had been replaced with those of cronies, who then chased them out of the recruitment venue at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State.
Abass clarified: “It’s not true that three people died in the camp. Those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering. These false claims are attempts to exploit the situation for political gain.”
He also addressed a widely circulated video featuring a woman arriving at the camp with a breastfeeding infant, describing it as a clear violation of paramilitary training policies.
“Paramilitary training does not permit individuals with health conditions or those caring for young children to remain in camp. This is standard practice aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of our operations.
“These unfounded allegations claim that the selection process favored a particular political party. Let me state categorically that the Osun Amotekun Corps has always adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness,” Abass said.
According to him, the recruitment exercise involved a rigorous multi-stage process, beginning with an online application, followed by submission and verification of academic credentials, physical screening, and fitness tests.
“The 1,000 cadets invited to the training camp were those who successfully passed these assessments. It is, therefore, untrue that political considerations influenced the selection,” he added.
Abass also addressed reports that some unqualified individuals had gained access to the camp, clarifying that immediate steps were taken to rectify the situation.
“Some individuals who were not selected for training gained entry to the camp, and some chosen candidates failed to arrive on time. We ensured that those who had not been selected were sent home, and those with health issues were disqualified for their safety and the integrity of the training,” he stated.
Abass expressed concern over what he described as a “deliberate campaign” to damage the Corps’ reputation, driven by individuals who had been disqualified from the programme.
“It is deeply unfortunate that these applicants, who were rightfully discharged due to health concerns, have chosen to spread false information about the Corps,” he said.
He called on the public to disregard the misleading reports and trust in the integrity of the Amotekun Corps, assuring citizens that the organisation remains committed to serving Osun State without bias.
“We remain dedicated to our mission of protecting and serving the people of Osun State. We will not be distracted by the malicious actions of a few individuals seeking to damage our reputation,” Abass added.
The Crisis Management Committee of the Mbume bloc of clans in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, has called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Paramount Ruler, HRM Ntufam Dr. Emmanuel Oru-Ojong.
Chairman of the committee, Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, made the demand in Calabar, stressing that the lingering dispute over the throne of Etung can only end if the substantive monarch is returned to his seat.
The committee also urged the state government to prosecute the Clan Head of Ajassor community, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, accusing him of defying a High Court order which, according to them, had declared him an impostor.
Comprising Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, and Etomi communities, the Mbume bloc insisted that the creation of an “acting paramount ruler” is alien to Etung tradition. They said the judgment in suit No. HC/96/2022, delivered by Justice Elias Abuo, had settled the matter by affirming Oru-Ojong as substantive ruler and restraining Ntui Eta.
“The government must respect the court’s decision and compel Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta to vacate the throne so peace can return to Etung,” the committee stated. “Defiance of the court order calls for justice. Only when Dr. Oru-Ojong is reinstated will order be restored in the traditional institution.”
The group appealed directly to Governor Bassey Otu to act swiftly, stressing that they held his administration in high regard and believed his intervention would uphold the rule of law.
“As civilized and law-abiding citizens, we do not expect any segment of society to go against the ruling of the High Court,” the chairman added. “Government, as arbiter, should recognize the judiciary and enforce its judgment.”
However, when contacted on phone, the Clan Head of Ajassor and acting paramount ruler of Etung, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Eta, dismissed the agitation. He said he had not received any formal notice calling for his removal.
“No one has written to me asking for my dethronement,” he said. “You cannot shave a man’s beard in his absence. Matters like this cannot be discussed casually on the telephone.”
The Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Modi, has expressed sorrow over the killing of security personnel who were ambushed during a joint clearance operation in Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the chairman sympathized with the Nigerian Police Force, the Civil Protection Guards, and the Nigerian Hunters Council following the tragic loss of their men.
Ekwutosblog reported that officers attached to Operation Anyam Nyor were attacked on Friday by suspected herders and militia groups in Mbatyula, Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala LGA.
Reports indicate that about 13 officers remain missing, while three bodies have so far been recovered.
Among the missing is ASP Danlami Usman, popularly known as Dan Zuru, who served as the Bush Commander of the operation. Several other personnel reportedly sustained injuries.
Hon. Modi described the slain officers as gallant heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the people.
He strongly condemned the attack, labeling it “barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of law and order.”
While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and speedy recovery of the wounded, the chairman reassured residents of his administration’s continued support for security agencies in the ongoing efforts to restore peace across the region.
The Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Muhammed Egye Osolafia, who is popularly known as Deedat, has allegedly been kidnapped by gunmen.
The governor’s aide, Osolafia, was said to have been kidnapped upon arriving at his residence in Tudun Amba area of Lafia, the state capital, on Saturday night.
The gunmen were said to have reportedly arrived in the area, shooting sporadically into the air to put fear in residents nearby before heading straight for their target.
Mr. Peter Ahemba, who is the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, confirmed the development to Daily Post, describing it as sad and unfortunate.
He explained that he received the news of the abduction from another colleague.
Osolafia’s abduction came about two months after the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Culture, Barrister Yusuf Musa, was similarly abducted from his residence in Ungwan Nungu, also in Lafia.
SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer, could not be reached for comment on the incident.
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