Tragedy struck in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, as gunmen, suspected to be cultists assassinated Adeleke Adeyinka, a councillorship candidate in ward 15, Abeokuta South Local Government area.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Jide Jones area of Oke-Ilewo. It was gathered that the assailants arrived in a tinted car. The occupants alighted and shot at their target. They then hit him with stones till he gave up the ghost.
Before Adeleke’s death, he was with the transport union in Panseke area of Abeokuta.
Also, the deceased was a former All Progressives Congress, APC, youth leader in Abeokuta South, before his aspiration for the post of a councillor of his ward.
He was described as an amazing fellow, who served his people wholeheartedly.
The spokesperson of Ogun State Police command, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the killing. She said the murder happened at 12:30 p.m., as reported to the police by a concerned citizen.
She said: “A concerned citizen reported that unknown individuals believed to be cultists arrived in an unregistered Toyota Corolla sport car, armed with a pump action shotgun and a pistol at Jide Jones, Oke Ilewo, Ibara, Abeokuta.
“The assailants opened fire killing 40-year-old Adeyinka Adeleke, who was left dead at the scene before the perpetrators fled.”
Odutola said that one Adeyinka Adesanya has requested for the body of the deceased for burial.
She said that photos of the crime scene has been taken, while normalcy has been restored to the area.
Odutola added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the APC Youth Leaders’ forum in the state has expressed sadness over the brutal murder of Adeleke. It described it as a senseless and horrific act, “which has left our community shaken and grieving.”
The forum, in a statement by
Kabir Odedairo, Youth Leader, Abeokuta South, said: “The fact that he was shot and stoned to death by unknown assailants in a tinted car is particularly disturbing and warrants immediate attention from law enforcement agencies.
“Adeleke was not only a promising young leader, but also a dedicated member of our party, having served as the youth leader of Ward 15 in Abeokuta South and worked with others during the election.
“As a forum, we demand a thorough investigation into this heinous crime and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served.
“We also urge the Police to increase patrols and security measures in the affected areas to prevent further violence.
“Adeleke’s contributions to the Ogun State youth leaders’ forum will not be forgotten, and his untimely death is a loss to the entire youth community in Ogun State.: