A tragic and disturbing incident has rocked Lokoja as Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with Inside Story, was murdered on Tuesday evening, allegedly by his neighbour, Adebayo Pelumi, who resides in the same compound that houses the media outlet’s office.
According to an eyewitness who works with Inside Story, the suspect lured Ayo to his poultry stall around 7:30 p.m., pretending to need help. As soon as Ayo stepped out of the office, Adebayo allegedly struck him repeatedly with an iron rod, killing him on the spot.
“He didn’t know Ayo wasn’t alone in the office. After hitting him to death, I saw him trying to lift the body into a deep freezer,” the eyewitness recalled.
“Then he moved the body into his Hilux van, and that’s when I raised the alarm.”
The witness quickly called others in the area, who mobilised local vigilantes. However, by the time help arrived, the suspect had already driven off with the victim’s body.
The vigilantes began a search operation, discovering bloodstains in the freezer and around the poultry stall, confirming the crime. While the search was still ongoing, the suspect returned briefly to the compound but fled again upon sighting the vigilantes. During the pursuit, his vehicle was involved in an accident, after which he abandoned it and escaped on foot.
“His van was stained with blood,” the witness added. “We fear this may be linked to ritual activity, especially since the body is yet to be recovered.”
The suspect, Adebayo Pelumi, is reportedly a staff member of the Correctional Centre. Sources claim his wife separated from him two months ago due to repeated domestic violence.
The incident was formally reported to the Kogi State Police Headquarters in Lokoja on Wednesday, and the police have launched a manhunt for the fugitive suspect.
As of press time, the remains of Ayo Aiyepekun have not yet been found, and the motive behind the gruesome murder is still under investigation.
