Photojournalist murdered in Lokoja, suspect on the run

A photojournalist with Inside Story, an online media outlet based in Lokoja, Kogi State, Ayo Aiyepekun, has been reportedly murdered by a neighbour, identified as Adebayo Pelumi.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening within the premises of the Inside Story office, which also houses the suspect’s poultry farm. Eyewitnesses say the victim was lured out of the office before being attacked and killed.

According to a colleague who witnessed the incident, Aiyepekun was in the office working on video and photo editing when Pelumi invited him to assist with something at his poultry farm located in the same compound.

“It was around 7:30 p.m. when he called Ayo out. He didn’t know there was someone else still in the office. Moments after Ayo stepped outside, I heard noises and peeped out, I saw Adebayo striking him repeatedly with an iron rod,” the eyewitness recounted.

The witness added that the suspect attempted to conceal the body by placing it in a deep freezer before transferring it to a Hilux van. Sensing foul play, the eyewitness raised an alarm and contacted local vigilantes in the area.

“Before help arrived, Adebayo had already driven off with the body. We searched the compound and found blood stains in the freezer and around the poultry area,” he added.

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The suspect reportedly returned to the compound shortly after but sped off upon noticing people gathered. He was pursued by vigilante operatives, and during the chase, his vehicle was involved in an accident. Pelumi then abandoned the van and fled on foot.

The vehicle, which was later examined, was stained with what appeared to be human blood. As of the time of reporting, the body of the deceased had not yet been recovered, and concerns have been raised over possible ritual motives behind the killing.

The matter was officially reported on Wednesday at the Kogi State Police Headquarters in Lokoja.

Pelumi, believed to be a staff member of the Nigerian Correctional Service, had reportedly been separated from his wife two months earlier following allegations of repeated domestic abuse.

Authorities are currently on the trail of the suspect, while investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the killing are ongoing.