A Nigerian mother, Mrs Alaba Oyebamiji, is appealing to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to intervene in the release of her two sons' bodies. Her sons, Ismaila and Sefiu Oyebamiji, were among four persons killed during an alleged security operation in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, on September 30, 2025.
The victims were allegedly killed when operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, invaded the community following an incident. The other victims were identified as Abiola Olutayo and another Sefiu Oyebamiji. A year after the deaths, the remains of the victims are reportedly still being held, leaving their families unable to conduct burial rites and bring closure to the tragedy.
Mrs Oyebamiji expressed her frustration and grief over the continued withholding of her sons' bodies, saying it has compounded her sorrow and made it difficult for her to return to normal life. She mentioned that one of her sons, Ismail, was killed while his wife was pregnant, and his wife and the baby are now in her custody.
The grieving mother made an emotional appeal to both the federal and state governments to consider the families' request and allow them to bury their loved ones. She stated that she has made several moves towards securing the release of their bodies, but all efforts have been unsuccessful.
The traditional ruler of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Aborisade, corroborated Mrs Oyebamiji's account, stating that the community has made several attempts to secure the release of the remains but has yet to receive a definite timeline from the authorities. The monarch mentioned that the community has met with the governor and the police over the release of the bodies, but they were asked to exercise patience.
Musibau Adeboye, the youth leader of the community, said the community's immediate concern is no longer compensation for the victims' families but the release of their remains. Adeboye stated that the government has done its best for the victims by compensating the families, but the demand now is for the release of the victims' remains so that they can be laid to rest.
As the first anniversary of the incident passes, the affected families are seeking not only answers over the deaths of their loved ones but also the opportunity to perform their final rites and bury them according to their wishes. The continued detention of the bodies has become a fresh source of grievance in Akinlalu, with the families and community leaders calling for clarity from the authorities over why the remains have not been released.
Key points
- The mother of the victims is appealing to Governor Ademola Adeleke and IG Tunji Disu for the release of her sons' bodies.
- The victims were killed during an alleged security operation in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, on September 30, 2025.
- The families of the victims are seeking clarity from the authorities over why the remains have not been released one year after the deaths.
