Bike rider shot dead in Osogbo

A thirty-five-year-old commercial motorcycle operator identified as Babalola Lekan has been shot dead by suspected cultists at Asoje area in Osogbo, Osun State.

The peace of the area was disrupted when two rival cult groups clashed over supremacy battle and started shooting sporadically.

• Residents recount ordeals as gunmen kill scores in Benue
• Catholic priest killed as bandits raid Katsina church

Residents of the area said Babalola was shot on his chest and died on the spot. The incident caused panic and people ran for safety.

An eyewitness, Mr Yesufu Owoope, said, “As the cultists were shooting, we saw the bike man in a pool of blood calling for help but no one could go there to rescue him.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said the remains of Babalola have been deposited at the morgue of Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for investigation.

Opalola said policemen have been deployed to the area and assured the residents of their safety.