Chaos erupted on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Police Force and the South-West Security Outfits, known as the Amotekun corps, found themselves in a heated confrontation.

The incident unfolded during the Ogun State Sports Writer Association of Nigeria football competition in the state capital, Abeokuta. The catalyst for the brawl was a controversial officiating decision by the central referee, Ayo Amos.

According to sources, Referee Amos issued red cards to players from both the police and Amotekun teams for on-field misconduct. This decision didn’t sit well with one of the Amotekun players, who stormed onto the pitch and attacked a police player, causing an injury.

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the tense atmosphere during the 65th minute of the match when Amos issued a red card to Amotekun defender Akinloye Babatunde for violent conduct against police player Odukoya Olanrewaju. In retaliation, Olanrewaju was also sent off the field.

The eyewitness recounted, “The red-carded Amotekun defender, Akinloye, immediately returned to the pitch and physically assaulted a police player, Constable Adesina James. This led to spectators invading the pitch to rescue the police officer from the Amotekun’s aggression.”

To make matters worse, another Amotekun defender, Tejuoso Segun, re-entered the field with a charm and a broken bottle, using them to attack Inspector Ogunremi Oluwafemi, causing a deep cut injury to his lower jaw.

Chairman of Ogun SWAN, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, strongly condemned the actions of the Amotekun Corps, emphasizing that the competition aimed to foster positive relationships among security agencies in the state. He expressed his disappointment at the unprofessional conduct displayed by Amotekun officers.

Ogunsiji declared, “Trained security personnel should be capable of restraining themselves from aggression. The unruly behavior exhibited by the Amotekun officers does not reflect their role as trained officers responsible for safeguarding the public. Armed officers should not easily resort to assaulting their fellow officers.”

He pledged that the association would take action against agencies that disrupt the competition, promising that this incident would not be swept under the carpet. The organizers will report the agency and its officers to the Ogun State Head of Service for punitive action to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Public Relations Officer of the Amotekun Corps, Abayomi Osonaike, cited his absence from the scene as the reason for not commenting further on the incident.

Efforts to reach the Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.