US-based Nigerian Professor Accidentally Shot Dead By Security Guard Bidding Him Farewell In Osun; Governor Orders Probe
Sadly, one of the bullets hit the professor, resulting in his death, and the enraged mob subsequently killed the security guard.
A professor at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Richard Adeoriokin has been reportedly shot dead by a local security guard at Ejigbo in Osun State.
It was learnt that the security guard accidentally shot the professor and politician while bidding him farewell around 8:30 pm on Saturday, after a public function attended by the don, his political associates, and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
The Nation reports that after the meeting at the king’s residence, the son ordered the security guard to fire gunshots into the air to bid farewell to his friends.
Sadly, one of the bullets hit the professor, resulting in his death, and the enraged mob subsequently killed the security guard.
The incident was confirmed by the late professor’s personal assistant, Afeez Lawal. It occurred along Inisha Road in Ejigbo.
Lawal, who was present at the scene, said his boss had attended a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was conferred with a chieftaincy title before the tragic incident.
He said: “We headed to Ejigbo for the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo. Immediately, after the event, we were almost set to go back to Osogbo, the king’s son, Oyeyode Oyesosin said we should go to his house along Inisha road for a brief meeting, so those that followed him home Ayodele Asalu, Timothy and Prof Richard.
“When the king’s son wanted to bid his guests farewell, he ordered the local security to fire guns to the air, as a gesture but unfortunately, one of the security’s guns was facing down, instead of firing to the sky, he fired the bullet downward, the bullet hit Professor on his leg, he fell.
“Before we could rush him to the hospital, he had lost a lot of blood. He gave up the ghost at the Baptist Hospital in Ejigbo.”
The remains of the don have been deposited in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue, the aide confirmed.
However, Osun State Governor, Adeleke has directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident.
The governor also offered his condolences to the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyosin, and called for pre-emptive action by the security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.
He said: “What happened at Ejigbo is really sad. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. I have directed an immediate investigation into the killings of Dr Richard Adeoriokin and the subsequent killing of his killer.
“I have also instructed the State Police Command to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns. Such regulations will enhance the safety and protection of the citizens, especially at public functions.”
