Three Killed as Gunmen Attack Popular Scrap Dealer

Tragedy struck in Ilorin over the weekend when three people lost their lives after suspected assassins shot dead a scrap dealer at the Oja Gbooro area. The victim, identified as Sampsodeen Awwal, believed to be in his early thirties, was lured by four suspects who posed as potential customers and invited him into a tricycle under the pretext of having business for him.

According to witnesses, Awwal was first shot in the leg before the assailants delivered a fatal shot to his head at close range. He was left in a pool of blood, and his attackers fled with only his small phone, leaving behind the cash he had withdrawn for the supposed transaction.

Two other individuals — a suya vendor and a woman who were hit by stray bullets — later died at the hospital where they were rushed for treatment. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday.

A neighbour, Mr. Mohammed, told *Daily Trust* that Awwal, a native of Kebbi State, had only recently returned to Ilorin after traveling for the last Sallah celebration. “After he received a call about a business opportunity, he withdrew some money and went to Oja Gbooro after Ishai prayers, where he was killed,” Mohammed said. He added that Awwal is survived by a young wife, two children, and his mother, who has since arrived from their hometown.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident. She stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing, but initial findings suggest it may not be a case of assassination since the killers only took the victim’s phone.