Three Killed in a Suspected Assassination in Ilorin, Police Says Investigation Ongoing

By Bamidele Aremu

Tragedy struck in the bustling street of Oja Gboro area in Ilorin over the weekend when three innocent lives were cut short in a brutal attack. The victims included a young scrap dealer, identified as 30-year-old Sampsooden Awwal, who was lured into a deadly trap by four suspects. According to eyewitnesses, the suspects approached Awwal with a convincing ruse, claiming to have a potential buyer for his goods.

The unsuspecting victim, believing he was about to make a legitimate sale, followed the suspects into a tricycle. However, his trust was met with betrayal as the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the leg before delivering a fatal shot to the head at close range. Awwal’s lifeless body was left in a pool of blood, a grim testament to the brutality of the attack.

However, two other innocent bystanders fell victim to the chaos. A suya vendor and a woman, who were caught in the crossfire, were rushed to a nearby medical facility, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to a witness, the attack was premeditated, and the suspects seemed determined to eliminate Awwal.

“His assailants first shot him on the leg and then, after he fell to the ground, they shot him in the head,” the witness recounted.

A neighbor, Mr. Mohammed, shared some insight into Awwal’s background, revealing that he was a native of Kebbi State who had recently returned to Kwara after visiting family during the last Sallah celebration. Awwal had received a call from the suspects, allegedly about a purchase, and had gone to withdraw money before meeting them. Tragically, this meeting turned out to be his last.

“He is survived by a young wife and two children,” Mr. Mohammed said, adding that Awwal’s mother had traveled from their hometown upon hearing the news.

However, when National Pilot contacted spokeswoman for the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, via a phone call on Monday, she confirmed the killing saying: “Investigations are still ongoing to determine whether it’s a cult related case. But we suspect it’s not assassination because the killers went away with his small phone, they used to communicate with him.”