By Victor Akinkuolie

Tragedy struck on Tuesday in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo west local government area of Ondo State, following the death of a prominent drug dealer in the community who was said to have been murdered by yet to be identified persons.

The victim, Bode Akinsiku (56) was said to have been murdered at about 6:15 am at a popular joint located in Loro street, Odosida area in the heart of the community.

According to an eyewitness account, the victim was said to have arrived at the joint at the early hour of the fateful day discussing with some people.

Few minutes later, his phone was said to have rang and he received a call, it was further learnt that while receiving the call, some boys were said to have arrived on a motorcycle.

One of the boys was said to have moved straight to the victim and asked if he can identify him, the duo were said to have exchanged words for some seconds before he was shot several times at a closed range.

The unidentified person later crossed to the other side of the road while shooting sporadically apparently to scare those at the surroundings away while he made his way out of the scene with a waiting motorcycle.

The death of the prominent drug dealer later resulted into panic as shops and workshops around the vicinity horridly closed, while the environment was immediately deserted for of fear of arrest.

Few minutes later, a detachment of police officer from the Enuowa Divisional Police Station arrived at the scene and evacuated the body of the drug dealer to the morgue of Ondo State Specialist Hospital.

When contacted, a senior police officer at the Enuowa Divisional Police Station, Ondo town, confirmed the receipt of the incident, saying the report of the incident has been sent to the homicide section at the Ondo State Police Command Akure, the capital of Ondo State. While investigation had begun on the matter.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the incident, describing it as cult related killing which has been rampart in the area.

Ayanlade said efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killing and urged citizens to be law abiding and report any information which could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to the police.