Residents of Ejigbo, headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State have been thrown into panic after two persons were allegedly killed at the weekend.
One of the deceased, a United States of America-based Nigerian lecturer and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, Richard Idowu, was shot dead by a local hunter who had wanted to bid the politician farewell by firing into the air.
It was also said the man who fired the shot was beaten to death by angry mob.
The incident, which occurred between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, immediately threw the community into mourning and led to tension among the residents.
The two victims were allegedly killed after attending the 50th coronation anniversary celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode.
The incident reportedly occurred in a private residence of Prince Eniola Oyeyode, a son to the traditional ruler of the town.
It was also learnt that Idowu was part of the coronation anniversary, from where he was summoned to a meeting in the residence of Eniola located along Inisa Road in Ejigbo.
After the meeting had ended and the attendees were leaving the premises, it was gathered, gunshots were heard, and Idowu was hit on the leg, which led to his death while being treated in a private hospital in Ejigbo.
A source revealed that a local security had mistakenly shot Idowu when the king’s son instructed him to bid thr US base professor well by firing gunshot into the air.
“We headed to Ejigbo for the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo. Immediately, after the event, we were almost set to go back to Osogbo, the king’s son, Oyeyode Oyesosin said we should go to his house along Inisha road for a brief meeting, so those that followed him home Ayodele Asalu, Timothy and Prof Richard.
“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his leg, he fell, before we could rush him to the hospital he had lost a lot of blood. He gave up the ghost at the Baptist Hospital in Ejigbo,” the Personal Assistant to the politician, Afiz Lawal said.
“Before we could get him to the hospital, he had already lost so much blood and there is no good hospital in Ejigbo. He gave up at a private hospital in Ejigbo. The incident happened between 8:00 and 8:30 pm on Saturday. He was a PDP chieftain and a lecturer based in the United States of America,” he added.
Asked if the incident could be regarded as a case of misfiring, Lawal further said, “It may be planned or accidental, but I just narrated how the incident happened because I was at the scene. His remains have been deposited at the morgue of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate investigation into the killing and counter-killing.
The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, commiserated with the people of Ejigbo town and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its cause.
Adeleke called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.
He instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on usage of local guns, saying that such regulations will enhance safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions.
Urging families of the deceased not to take laws into their hands, the governor also dispatched a delegation to visit Ejigbo and ensure restoration of calm while investigation would continue.
According to the statement, members of the delegation include the Commissioner of Police, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, the State Commissioner for Information and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Security.
“What happened today (Saturday) at Ejigbo is really sad. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have directed an immediate investigation into the killings of Dr Richard Adeoriokin and the subsequent killing of his killer.
“I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance safety and protection of the citizens especially at public functions,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
