A commercial motorcyclist was shot dead on Friday night by unidentified gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while two female traders travelling with him sustained injuries.
According to reports, the motorcyclist was transporting the women from Ipeba, located along the Ogbomoso–Oyo Road, to Ladanu village in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area when the attack occurred.
Sources said the victims were being followed by another motorcycle from Ipeba. Upon reaching a relatively isolated section of the road, the attackers opened fire, hitting the rider. The gunshot caused him to lose control of the motorcycle, which veered off the road and crashed into nearby bushland.
The injured rider later died from his wounds, while the two women survived with injuries.
Eyewitnesses stated that the attackers closely trailed the victims before launching the attack. They noted that the motorcycle was not stolen, leading to speculation that the assailants may have been assassins or armed robbers rather than bandits or herders.
The incident was confirmed by the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji Olumole II, who clarified that the attack occurred within Oriire Local Government Area and not in Ajaawa or Ogo-Oluwa. He nevertheless condemned the killing and described it as a serious criminal act.
Police sources also confirmed the incident, explaining that the crime scene falls under the jurisdiction of the Ikoyi-Ile Divisional Police Headquarters. Authorities have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The attack comes amid growing security concerns in Oriire, where recent bandit attacks resulted in deaths and the abduction of students, teachers, and residents, many of whom remain in captivity.
