A hunter, identified only as Femi, was found dead with bullet wounds in a forest in the Ijebu Igbo area of Ogun State.
The discovery was made after a search was initiated when he failed to return from a hunting trip.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on Monday stating that Femi had gone hunting with another man, Taoreed, also known as Kokoro, on Friday but did not return home, prompting concern.
“On 26/10/2024, one Grace James, a female from Ofemodoko village near Ijebu Igbo, reported to the station that on 25/10/2024 at about 1700 hours, her husband, Femi, now deceased, went hunting with an individual known as Taoreed aka Kokoro, but failed to return to their village,” Odutola said.
Concerned for his safety, Femi’s wife, Grace James, reported his absence to the village head.
At around 7:00 a.m. on October 26, the village head organized a search party comprising local hunters.
During the search, Femi’s body was found in the forest with bullet wounds on his back, and his gun was discovered lying next to him.
“The body of Femi was found in the forest showing bullet wounds on his back with his gun lying on the ground next to him,” Odutola confirmed.
Suspicion grew when efforts to locate Taoreed, who had accompanied Femi, failed.
“Suspicion was raised when it was discovered that Taoreed, who had gone hunting with the deceased, had fled the village with his wife and children,” Odutola noted.
Taoreed and his family have not been seen since the incident.
The police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Femi’s death.
His body has been transported to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for an autopsy. “This case is currently under preliminary investigation,” Odutola added.
