Daud Olatunji
A yet-to-be-identified soldier has allegedly shot dead a casual worker engaged by the Ogun State Government during a demolition exercise along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased, Oluwaseyi Adeoye, was part of a team from the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development assigned to enforce building regulations at Ganic Company, around Orile-Imo, when the incident occurred on Monday.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the enforcement team had stormed the premises to pull down structures said to contravene approved building specifications, particularly the height of the company’s perimeter fence.
However, the officials reportedly met resistance from armed military personnel stationed at the facility, leading to a heated confrontation.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated after the town planning officials insisted on carrying out the demolition despite objections from the soldiers.
A labourer who witnessed the incident alleged that one of the soldiers opened fire during the fracas.
“They actually wanted to kill everyone. We had to run for our lives. Even the police officers who accompanied us could not control the situation,” the source said.
Adeoye was reportedly hit by a stray bullet and died on the spot. His remains have been deposited at the State General Hospital morgue in Ijaye, Abeokuta.
The Chairman of the Concrete Dealers Association, Kolawole Obadeyi, described the killing as tragic and avoidable, lamenting that the deceased lost his life over a daily wage of ₦10,000.
“We have worked with the ministry for over 38 years without such a tragedy. When they discovered soldiers were at the location, they could have retreated and sought reinforcement. It is painful that a young man died while trying to earn a living,” Obadeyi said.
He called on the state government to provide adequate compensation for the bereaved family.
“We do not want a situation where he will just be buried and forgotten. The government must take responsibility and support the family he left behind,” he added.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odulami, condemned the killing and assured that security agencies had been contacted to identify the personnel involved.
“This should not have happened. We are working with all relevant security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure due process is followed,” he said.
When contacted, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Captain Idereghi Akari, said he was yet to be briefed on the development but promised to investigate.
The incident has since sparked outrage among residents and industry stakeholders, who called for a transparent probe and justice for the slain worker. 
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
