A local hunter identified as Atanda Agbobiado, has allegedly shot dead a colleague, Sunday Ijiola, during a hunting expedition gone wrong in a forest in Ogun state.
It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred at Pakoyi, Owode Ketu, Yewa North Area of the state on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
No less than fifteen hunters were said to have ventured into the forest to hunt and they separated themselves in order to box in a prey and prevent it from escaping.
A police source told the Punch that the 43-year-old deceased, was mistaken for a bear they were pursuing in the forest.
The source claimed that Agbobiado had shot at the prey while in pursuit and the others raced excitedly to the target but were startled to see that Ijiola was the one hit by the gunshot.
It was learnt that the victim was passed away while being transported to a hospital in the state for medical attention. Upon realising that the victim had passed away, the suspect was said to have bolted. The grieving family were said to have approached the Eggua Police Division to report the event.
Ogun police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident and disclosed that an investigation into the death of the hunter had commenced.
She said; “We are currently investigating the scene of the crime, as our operatives have visited there and also taken photographs of the corpse. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect.
“The father of the victim has requested that an autopsy be conducted and also requested that the body of the victim be released to him in line with the traditional rites. The case file with parties will be transferred to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.”
