Gunmen have reportedly shot dead a senior lecturer of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole.
The deceased was said to be coming from the university campus on Monday evening after the day’s work and returning home when the armed men intercepted him at Moniya area of Ibadan.
After killing the university don, who until death was a senior lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources Management, the gunmen took away his car.
Confirming Ajewole’s death, his friend, Olukayode Ogunsanwo, said: “Yes. It is true. It is true. But we are not sure if it is armed robbers or hired assassins.”
Also, the Principal Assistant Registrar, Public Communications, at the university, Joke Akinpelu, confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying: “He was killed yesterday (Monday). The incident happened yesterday.”
She, however, did not give details of the incident.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, too confirmed the incident.
He said: “The matter is under investigation. Updates would be provided accordingly, please.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that the killing of Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole, came to him “as a rude shock.”
Shettima, who commiserated with the deceased’s family and prayed for the repose of his soul.
In a statement he personally signed late Tuesday, the Vice President said: “I received today the shocking news of the death of Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole who was gunned down by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
“The late Opeyemi, a renowned Professor of Social and Environmental Forestry, was my classmate at the University of Ibadan and his untimely death just days after personally congratulating me on my swearing-in, came as a rude shock.
“I condemn the gruesome killing of Prof. Opeyemi, and wish to express my deep condolences to his family and the University of Ibadan Master Class of 1990. I pray for the repose of his gentle soul.”
