Gunmen assassinate councillorship candidate in Ogun

Adeleke Adeyinka, a councillorship candidate for Ward 15 in Abeokuta South Local Government, was tragically assassinated by suspected cultists on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The gunmen, arriving in a tinted car, shot Adeleke and brutally assaulted him with stones until he died. The incident occurred in the Jide Jones area of Oke-Ilewo.

Adeleke, a former APC youth leader in Abeokuta South, was well-regarded for his dedication to his community. Ogun State Police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the killing, noting that it was reported by a concerned citizen at 12:30 p.m.

The shocking assassination has left the community in mourning as investigations into the motive behind the attack continue.

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.: