The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, by suspected hoodlums on Wednesday in Osogbo, the state capital. The incident occurred shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke (Davido), visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at his palace.
Details of the Incident
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abiodun Ojelabi, a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday. He said the incident occurred around the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo at about 4 p.m., shortly after the governor's visit to the traditional ruler.
Mr Ojelabi explained that preliminary investigation revealed that Governor Adeleke, accompanied by Davido, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Ataoja. Immediately after the visit, one Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as 'Small Rugged', an ex-convict, cultist and suspected notorious thug, attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of his security team.
Confrontation and Shooting
The ensuing confrontation reportedly attracted other suspected gang members in the vicinity. The suspects temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed movement before the governor's convoy eventually left the area safely.
Shortly afterwards, the suspected gang members reportedly departed the vicinity, and while on their way, they allegedly shot the victim dead, according to Mr Ojelabi. A police patrol team was mobilised to the scene, where the victim was found lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Response and Investigation
The police spokesperson said the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to identify, apprehend and bring the fleeing suspects to justice. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo, condemned the act and assured the public that the command would deploy all available resources to apprehend those responsible.
Mr Etaifo urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to approach the nearest police station or contact the command through its official channels.
Context of Violence in Osun
Osun has seen a wave of violence, including killings in different parts of the state, in the build-up to the last governorship election held on Saturday (15 August). Although the latest killing may not be directly linked to the just concluded election, it mirrors the proliferation of arms, ammunition and thuggery that characterised the electoral cycle for months. The police command has assured the public that all available resources will be deployed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
