Crisis Rocks Ifako Ijaiye, As Hunter Kills One, Critically Injures Two

By Akinwale Kasali

Palpable tension has gripped  College Road, Ifako Ijaiye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. A trigger happy Hunter, identified as James, shot dead 18-Year Old Toheeb Akinbowale and critically injured two others.

But for the swift intervention of Police, the crisis could have escalated, and led to a face off between Youths and Residents of the area and members of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service, NHFSS.

It was gathered that the hunter mistakenly discharged his weapon, fatally hitting Akinbowale and injuring two others.

Akinbowale was said to have been rushed to Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 4:10 PM.

The 28-year-old hunter, James, was reportedly handling a double-barrel when the incident occurred.

In addition to Akinbowale’s death, two others—Sodeeq and another individual, whose name is yet to be confirmed—were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Ikeja General Hospital.

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos Police Command Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, and disclosed that a team of detectives was dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, including photographing the area and recovering the weapon.

James had been arrested and is now in Police custody as the investigation continues.

Hundeyin said:  “It is an unfortunate incident. Our team responded promptly, and we have already begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The suspect is cooperating, and we have recovered the weapon used. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Ikeja Mortuary. We will provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.”

He added that the double-barrel shotgun involved in the fatal accident is now in police custody as evidence.

The Police has however revealed that normalcy has returned to the area, and promised that it would make sure that Justice takes its cause, as investigation into the cause of the mistaken discharge is ongoing, and the Public will be briefed on the development of the case in coming days.