A hunting expedition turned tragic when Sunday Ijiola was allegedly shot dead by his colleague, Atanda Agbobiado, in a forest at Pakoyi, near Owode Ketu in the Yewa North Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, during a hunting trip involving roughly fifteen hunters.
The group had split up to prevent their prey from escaping.
A police source told PUNCH Metro that the deceased, 43, was mistakenly identified as the deer they were pursuing.
The source said, “A group of hunters from Owode-Apesin village, about 15 in number, ventured into the forest for hunting. They spotted a big deer and decided to target it. As the deer began to disappear from view, they strategically planned to double-cross the fleeing animal.”
During the chase, Agbobiado fired at the prey but inadvertently struck Ijiola.
His colleagues rushed to the scene only to find that Ijiola had been shot.
Despite efforts to transport him to a hospital, he died en route.
Upon realizing the fatal mistake, Agbobiado fled the scene.
The victim’s family reported the incident to the Eggua Police Division.
Ogun Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had begun.
“We are currently investigating the scene of the crime. Our operatives have visited the site and taken photographs of the corpse. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect,” she said.
“The victim’s father has requested an autopsy and the release of the body for traditional rites. The case will be transferred to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.”
This incident follows a similar occurrence reported by PUNCH Metro on May 2, 2023. In that case, a hunter was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow hunter during a hunt in the Odeda district on April 20.
“All of them are hunters. One of them shot at an animal, and the bullet hit one of their members,” said a former state police public relations officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi.
“The family of the deceased said they would not press charges since it was an accidental discharge. However, the investigation is ongoing.”
