A man identified as Seyi has been shot dead by suspected cultists who allegedly mistook him for a member of a rival group at Ijako Market, Owode-Ijako, Ogun State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, September 23, when the suspected cultists arrived at the market in search of a man identified as Dammy, whom they allegedly wanted to attack.
A police source, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment, said Seyi was killed behind the market after the assailants located a group of young men believed to be connected to their target.
According to the source, the attackers opened fire on Seyi, killing him at the scene. The source also linked the incident to activities surrounding the illicit drug trade.
An anti-cultism advocacy platform, Naija Confra, also reported the incident, alleging that the attackers had gone after Dammy before Seyi was killed in what appeared to be a case of mistaken identity.
The platform claimed that the victim was shot and subsequently attacked with an axe. It added that witnesses initially believed Dammy had been killed until the identity of the deceased was established as Seyi.
The police source said an investigation had commenced, with efforts underway to establish the identities of those responsible and bring them to justice.
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said he was unaware of the incident but promised to make enquiries and provide an update. He had yet to do so as of press time.
