A hunting trip turned tragic when Sunday Ijiola, a hunter, was reportedly fatally shot by his colleague, Atanda Agbobiado, in a forest near Pakoyi, via Owode Ketu, Yewa North Area of Ogun. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, as approximately fifteen hunters split up in the forest to prevent prey from fleeing.
According to a police source speaking to a correspondent of The Punch newspaper, it was believed that the 43-year-old victim was mistakenly identified as their quarry, possibly a deer, during the pursuit.
The cop said, “It was said that a group of hunters from Owode-Apesin village, consisting of about 15 people, went to the forest to go about their hunting activities, and then saw a big deer in the forest. “They decided to make it their target and noticed it was gradually disappearing from their view, so they decided to strategically hunt it by double-crossing the fleeing animal.”
Agbobiado, the alleged shooter, fired at the prey during the pursuit. His fellow hunters eagerly rushed towards the target but were shocked to discover that the victim had been hit by the gunfire.
Unfortunately, despite efforts to rush him to a hospital for treatment, the victim succumbed to his injuries during the journey. The suspect ran away upon discovering the victim was dead. The mourning family reportedly contacted the Eggua Police Division to report the incident.
Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun Police Command, verified the incident and stated that an investigation into the hunter’s death had been initiated.
“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.”
