In the early hours of Tuesday, an unidentified hunter allegedly shot and killed a resident of Iwo in Osun State.
The incident took place around the Latico area of Iwo at approximately 3 am. Reports indicate that the suspect was in the process of removing the corpse before daybreak when another resident discovered the scene and alerted the police.
Upon receiving the distress call, police operatives swiftly responded and apprehended the suspect.
However, the incident sparked displeasure among residents, leading to a protest where bonfires were set up on major roads.
The prompt intervention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), helped quell the protest.
Kehinde Adeleke, spokesperson for the NSCDC in the state, confirmed the incident and stated that security personnel were deployed to restore order in the area.
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In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer for Osun Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the shooting and assured the public of an investigative team working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Opalola emphasized the need for calm among residents and cautioned against taking the law into their hands.
The suspect has been identified, arrested, and is currently in police custody.
Opalola reiterated the importance of responsible firearm use, especially among hunters and local security outfits, urging adherence to regulations governing the use of arms to prevent harm to innocent citizens.
The incident comes in the wake of previous warnings issued by the Osun State Police Command against the misuse of firearms, particularly among hunters, following several reports of accidental discharges resulting in fatalities and injuries.
