The Ogun State All Progressives Congress Youth Leaders’ Forum has condemned the killing of the councillorship candidate for Abeokuta South Local Government in the forthcoming November 16 local government elections in the state, Adeleke Adeyinka.

Adeyinka was killed by some assailants suspected to be cultists at Jide Jones area, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta on Saturday at about 12pm.

The gunmen were said to have come in a tinted car after which one of them stepped out of the car and shot the 40-year old transport union worker at a close range.

The assailant was also said to have smashed the head of the deceased to ensure that he was dead before joining others in the car and then fled the scene.

However, the youth forum has demanded justic and urged the security agencies to ensure that Adeyinka’s killers are brought to book.

The forum disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday and signed by the Youth Leader, Abeokuta South Local Government, Kabir Odedairo, and the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Youth Leaders’ Forum, Timothy Odedina, respectively.

The group said that members were deeply saddened and outraged by the murder.

The group said, “We strongly condemn this senseless and horrific act, which has left our community shaken and grieving.

“The fact that Adeleke was shot and stoned to death by unknown assailants in a tinted car is particularly disturbing and warrants immediate attention from law enforcement agencies.

“Adeleke was not only a promising young leader but also a dedicated member of our party, having served as the youth leader of Ward 15 in Abeokuta South and worked with other during the election.

“As a forum, we demand a thorough investigation into this heinous crime and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. We also urge the police to increase patrols and security measures in the affected areas to prevent further violence.

“Adeleke’s contributions to the Ogun State youth leaders’ forum will not be forgotten, and his untimely death is a loss to the entire youth community in Ogun State”.

The youth expressed their condolences to the Adeleke’s family, friends and colleagues praying that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, on Saturday confirmed the incident.

Odutola said that the killing reportedly happened around 12:30pm as reported to the police by a concern citizen.

She said “A concerned citizen reported that unknown individuals believed to be cultists arrived in an unregistered Toyota Corolla Sport car, armed with a pump action shotgun and a pistol at Jide Jones, Oke Ilewo, Ibara, Abeokuta.

“The assailants opened fire Killing 40-year old Adeyinka Adeleke who was left dead at the scene before the perpetrators fled to an unknown location.”

Odutola said that one Adeyinka Adesanya has requested for the body of the deceased for burial

She said that photos of the crime scene has been taken while normalcy has been restored to the area.

Odutola added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

PUNCH