An HND student of the Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), identified simply as Ayodele Peter, has been murdered by suspected cultists in Owo, Ondo State.

Peter, aged 25, was reportedly killed on Sunday evening at the Opomulero area of the polytechnic community in Owo Local Government Area.

The attack followed the invasion of the area by suspected cult members said to be searching for rival gang members.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants traced the victim to his residence, pretended to be visitors, and called him out before shooting him at close range.

“We received a call yesterday evening that Peter was shot by some guys believed to be cultists. They called him out of his apartment and shot him at point-blank range. He struggled to stay alive before he was rushed to the hospital,” the source said.

Another source disclosed that the deceased, popularly known as Don P, had lost his mother about three weeks before the incident.

“Peter was still mourning the death of his mother, who passed away three weeks ago,” the source added.

Meanwhile, an anti-cultism advocacy platform, Naija Confra, alleged that the violence was linked to an incident that occurred last Thursday during a birthday celebration organised by members of the Eiye cult group within the institution.

According to the platform, trouble started after an Eiye leader allegedly ordered the assault of a female student, which led to a confrontation with members of the Buccaneers cult group at the venue.

The confrontation reportedly degenerated into a series of reprisal attacks between the two groups, eventually resulting in the killing of Peter.

“The crisis started when Eiye cultists were celebrating a birthday and playing cult songs loudly. During the event, an Eiye leader ordered the assault of a female student. This later resulted in a confrontation with Buccaneers members and subsequent reprisal attacks,” the platform stated.

Efforts to reach the management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic and the Ondo State Police Command were initially unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

However, the Ondo State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Kazeem, the police stated that the arrest of the suspect, whose name is still being withheld, followed a coordinated manhunt launched after the incident.

“The suspect has made useful statements and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large,” the statement said.

Additionally, the police disclosed that operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene after receiving reports that suspected cult members had forcefully gained entry into a residence and attacked Peter.

It added that Peter was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he was later confirmed dead.

Commending the operatives for their prompt response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, described their actions as professional and reassuring, adding that security measures have been strengthened across the state.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities to ensure public safety. (The Nation)