By Our Correspondent
A violent confrontation between operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, and suspected armed herders has reportedly claimed the lives of no fewer than three persons in Ajire community, on the outskirts of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was said to have followed an alarm raised by a pharmacist who was allegedly forced at gunpoint to treat gunshot injuries sustained by members of the armed group.
According to findings, the suspected herders had stormed a pharmaceutical shop in the area, owned and managed by Mrs. Olahansoye Kabirat Aderanti, demanding urgent medical attention for one of their wounded colleagues.
It was gathered that the injured herder had reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during an earlier encounter with security operatives a few days before the incident.
Sources said the armed men compelled the pharmacist to commence treatment under threat, unaware that she had discreetly alerted the Amotekun Corps using a distress device installed in her shop.
A source explained that the alert attracted Amotekun operatives to the location while the treatment was ongoing.
Upon the arrival of the security personnel, the suspected herders allegedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between both sides.
The clash reportedly resulted in the death of three suspected Fulani herdsmen, while some Amotekun operatives were said to have sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
Narrating her ordeal, the pharmacist said four armed men invaded her shop and ordered her to treat their injured member at gunpoint.
“I was in my shop when four armed Fulani herdsmen ordered me to treat one of them who had a gunshot wound on his leg. I pretended to cooperate while secretly alerting Amotekun,” she said.
She added that she deliberately slowed down the treatment process until the security operatives arrived, which immediately escalated into another gun battle.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adeleye Adetunji, said there was indeed an exchange of gunfire between his men and suspected armed herders.
Adetunji confirmed that some of the suspects lost their lives during the confrontation, while Amotekun operatives also suffered injuries.
He assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
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