Osun mother urges authorities to release sons’ remains a year after killings

A mother in Osun State has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to secure the release of her two sons’ remains, a year after they were killed during an alleged security operation in Akinlalu community. Alaba Oyebamiji’s sons, Ismaila and Sefiu, were among four people killed in the Ife North Local Government Area community on September 30, 2025. The other victims were identified as Abiola Olutayo and another person named Sefiu Oyebamiji.

The deaths followed an alleged operation by the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain a concern among residents, according to the report. The victims’ remains have reportedly not been released, preventing their families from conducting burial rites.

Oyebamiji said the continued delay had deepened her grief. She told Saturday PUNCH that Ismail was killed while his wife was pregnant and that she now cares for the widow and child. She said she had repeatedly sought the bodies’ release without success.

The mother appealed to the state and federal authorities to respond to the families’ request. She said the absence of the remains had made it difficult for her to resume normal social activities. The traditional ruler of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Aborisade, said community representatives had met the governor and police over the matter.

He said they had been asked to be patient but had not been given a specific date for the release. Community youth leader Musibau Adeboye said the immediate demand was no longer compensation, which he said had been provided, but access to the remains so the families could bury the victims. He called for government intervention.

The report did not state why the remains had not been released or give a response from the governor’s office or police. Families and community leaders are seeking clarification as they mark the first anniversary of the killings.