Motorcyclist celebrating union election shot dead

The victim was said to be celebrating the election of new executives for the union of motorcyclists in the town when the incident happened.

Apart from Adebowale, who was hit by a bullet around the stomach region, a yet-to-be-identified motorcyclist was also injured during the incident.

The latter was said to be responding to treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

An eyewitness, who was one of the newly elected executives but spoke on condition of anonymity, said in the midst of their celebration, gunshots were heard, which left Adebowale and one other person injured.

He, however, said Adebowale did not reach a hospital before he gave up the ghost, while the other person injured was rushed to OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, for treatment.

He said, “His name is Toromade Adebowale. He hailed from Olukolo Compound in Edunabon. After the swearing-in of new executives, we escorted our Ife zonal chairman to Moro Junction. We were celebrating the successful election of the new executives when we heard gunshots.

“The immediate past leadership was not ready to relinquish power. But till now, we don’t know those that fired the shots. Toromade (Adebowale) went for his introduction/wedding ceremony at his in-law’s house in Ede. His wife is even pregnant. We are preparing him for burial now.”

A spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said investigations had commenced to unravel those behind the shootings.

She said, “Two people were hit by bullets fired by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen. One of them is currently responding to treatment at the OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, but the second person died before reaching a hospital.”