By Deborah Nnamdi
A soldier in the Nigerian Army has allegedly attacked and killed a 35-year-old operative of the Amotekun Corps, Peter Samuel, in Ijeda, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, was confirmed by the Osun State Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Omoyele. Samuel reportedly died from his injuries in the early hours of Sunday while receiving treatment at Wesley Hospital, Ilesa.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Corps’ spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, Omoyele alleged that the soldier, identified only as Fiyinoluwa, attacked without provocation.
According to the statement, the assailant—dressed in military camouflage—approached the Amotekun office in Ijebu-Jesa with hostile intent, reportedly declaring that one of his reasons for joining the Army was to “deal decisively” with members of the Amotekun Corps.
Shortly after the confrontation, Officer Peter Samuel was riding a motorcycle when he was intercepted by the soldier and a group of unidentified accomplices. The attackers allegedly struck Samuel on the head with a blunt object, causing him to fall and leaving him severely injured. The assault reportedly lasted for about 20 minutes with no intervention.
The soldier was said to have fled the scene on a commercial motorcycle following the attack. Local Amotekun personnel responded swiftly, rushed the victim to the hospital, and notified the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ijebu-Jesa. A report was also filed with Lt. Col. Yunusa Isyaku at the Engineering Cantonment in Ede.
Despite medical efforts, Samuel was pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday.
Commandant Omoyele stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the attack and to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
