By Bashir Aliyu
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the assassination of Ismaila Awoyinka, a prominent businessman in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, has left the community in shock and raised concerns about security in the region.
According to ASP Funmilayo Odunlami, the Police Public Relations Officer, investigations are underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing. “Investigation is ongoing to unravel the assassination of the businessman,” Odunlami stated in a briefing with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
The attack took place near Awoyinka’s residence, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore. Eyewitnesses reported that the businessman was ambushed shortly after performing the Taraweeh prayer, a nightly Ramadan ritual.
“He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men in white clothes arrived on a motorcycle. As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” an eyewitness recounted.
Awoyinka, a dealer in building materials, was well-known in the community, and news of his death quickly drew a crowd of sympathizers to his home. Many expressed disbelief and grief over the tragic incident.
Taiwo Adegoroye, Chairman of Odigbo LGA, condemned the killing, describing it as a significant loss and calling for improved security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The police have yet to identify the assailants or determine a motive for the attack. Residents of Ore remain on edge as authorities continue their investigation.
