Amotekun Must Not Become Like SARS - Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Saturday, called on the South-West Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, not to follow the path of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He stated that the Amotekun corps must be trained on the issue of ethics so that they won’t abuse people’s right like SARS.

AllNews Nigeria recalls Operation Amotekun recently launched in Oyo and Ondo states have been accused of recklessness and extrajudicial killings.

Soyinka while speaking on Arise TV said the minds of the Amotekun corps must be trained to understand the essence of their job.

He said, “I have told them anytime you want us to come and assist, we will come even if it is just on the ethical session so that as you are training them to defend us, we are also training their minds so that Amotekun does not become another SARS, very important. We must do everything together.”

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He also called on other South-West states to launch their security outfits as the challenge of insecurity has reached a “stage of desperation”.

Recall three youths were reportedly killed by Amotekun operatives on Wednesday evening in Tapa, Ibarapa area of the state and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State reacted on Friday saying “Following the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, it becomes imperative that I once again reassure the good people of Oyo State that our administration is doing everything in its power to address security issues in our state.

“One of the strategies we are using to check insecurity in the state is the recently introduced Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun). I am fully aware of the alleged high-handedness by some members of the corps. We are investigating these issues to address them promptly.

“The welfare and security of the good people of Oyo State remain our top priority. We will not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of members of the public or our security officers.

“Therefore, I urge the good people of Oyo State to please remain calm and allow members of the corps to perform their legally authorised duties for our people’s well-being. Let me assure you that if any corps members are abusing their office, they will be dealt with accordingly.”

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