Richard Elesho
The family of a 22-year-old undergraduate, Opeyemi Orunmbe. Those who were killed in a street fight by a thuggish palm wine tapper in Aiyedayo, MopAmuro Local Government, Kogi State, have reiterated their demand for justice, commending the law enforcement agencies for the speedy arrests of suspects indicted in the killing.
No less than three persons, including the main suspect, Seun Bonire, a native of Iyah Gbede, Ijumu LGA, and two Egungun Priests, each from Aiyedayo and Iyah Gbede, respectively, were nabbed by the Kogi State Police Command.
A close family source in a discussion with journalists lamented the gruesome manner the vìctim was killed. “It has been about a month now since our son was murdered, and the memory remains fresh in our minds. Nothing can assuage this calamity. All that we ask is for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. This is crucial for the vindication of our son and the protection of society. Life is not cheap, and the law must be seen to protect the weak. It is our prayer that God will guide all the relevant agencies to diligently investigate and follow up to a judicial conclusion.”
Ope, as he was fondly called, had travelled from his Takete Ide hometown to Aiyedayo, another nearby Amuro community, for an annual cultural festival, where he became the lone casualty of an effort to douse a fight.
It was gathered that an argument between Iyah and Aiyede spectators over the dancing schedule of masquerades degenerated into a fight in the Egungun Grove, which was parried.
As the ceremony came to a close on Sunday, 26 May, a fight ensued, and Opeyemi, who was set for his 3-kilometre return journey, was caught in its web. He reportedly tried rising to his feet in vain after being thrust to the ground. At that point, according to a source, Seun, the prime suspect, in a fit of anger, allegedly said he wanted to ‘do finishing,’ and brought out a lethal weapon with which he snuffed his life.
The death threw the entire community into mourning and panic, with many people demanding its immediate investigation. The LG Chairman, Ademola Bello, promptly issued an executive order regulating public gatherings in the area.
The days that followed witnessed a manhunt for the killer suspect and his accomplices. Three persons were initially arrested, and there were pressure was mounted for their release. Two of them were eventually released on bail. The prime suspect was arraigned on Friday, 13 June. The judge has since ordered his detention at a correctional centre.
Mr Godwin Orunmbe, a community leader and father of the deceased, during several condolence visits to his residence in Takete Ide by well-meaning individuals, including the Iyah Gbede traditional council,
Federal lawmaker Salman Idris, representing Kabba-Bunu-Ijumu federal constituency and state legislator Jacob Olawumi, MopAmuro, reiterated his demand for justice.
“I appreciate the outpouring of emotions and concern by many groups and individuals. It is a very trying moment for my family. Our only hope for justice is in God and the government. The perpetrators must be brought to account if only to strengthen the sanctity of human life.”
Spokesman of the state police command, William Ovye Aya, assured of a diligent prosecution of the case.