A 25-year-old undergraduate of the state-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, identified as Ayodele Peter, has been brutally killed in what police suspect was a cult-related attack in the Opomulero area of Owo, Ondo State.
The tragic incident occurred while the deceased was still grieving the loss of his mother, who reportedly died about three weeks earlier.
Findings revealed that the killing was linked to a violent supremacy struggle among rival cult groups operating within the institution.
The assailants were said to have forcibly entered Ayodele’s residence and launched a vicious attack on him.
The incident later drew the attention of other students, including suspected cult members, who rushed to the scene but reportedly found the victim critically injured.
He was subsequently taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where medical personnel confirmed his death.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Kazeem, disclosed that the command received a distress call indicating that the student had been shot by individuals believed to be cultists.
He said police operatives were immediately deployed to the area with tactical and intelligence support, adding that although the victim was rushed to hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Kazeem further revealed that a manhunt was launched for the perpetrators, leading to the arrest of one suspect who is currently in custody and has provided useful information.
Efforts, he said, are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the swift and professional response of the officers involved, describing it as a reflection of the command’s improved capacity for rapid intervention.
Lawal reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, noting that security measures have been strengthened across the state, particularly during and after the festive period.
He directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical team commanders to remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring comprehensive security coverage across all parts of the state.
The police also urged members of the public to remain alert, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that collective vigilance remains essential to maintaining a safe society.
