ONDO- An HND student of the Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), identified simply as Ayodele Peter, has been murdered by suspected members of a cult group in Owo.
Peter, 25, was killed last Sunday evening at the Opomulero area of the polytechnic community in Owo Local Government Area after suspected cultists invaded the area in search of rival gang members.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers traced the victim to his residence, pretended to be visitors, called him out and shot him at close range.
“We received a call yesterday evening that Peter was shot by some guys believed to be cultists. They called him out of his apartment and shot him at point-blank range. He struggled to stay alive before he was rushed to the hospital,” the source said.
Another source said the deceased, also known as Don P, had lost his mother about three weeks before the incident.
“Peter was still mourning his mother, who passed away three weeks ago,” the source added.
An anti-cultism advocacy platform, Naija Confra, alleged that the violence began last Thursday during a birthday celebration organised by members of the Eiye cult group in the institution.
According to the platform, an altercation broke out after an Eiye leader allegedly ordered the assault of a female student, leading to a confrontation with Buccaneers cult members at the scene.
The incident escalated into a series of reprisal attacks between the two groups, culminating in the killing of Peter.
However, the Ondo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.
In a statement yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Kazeem, said the arrest of the suspect, whose name is still being concealed, followed a coordinated manhunt launched after the incident.
“The suspect has made useful statements and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large,” the statement said.
Also, police operatives were deployed in the scene after receiving reports that suspected cult members had gained entry into a residence and attacked Peter.
It added that Peter was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he was later confirmed dead.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, added that security measures had been strengthened across the state.
The police urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to ensure public safety.
