Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A routine enforcement action by the Ogun State Government in partnership with security agencies took a tragic turn on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a labourer working with the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development was shot dead during a demolition exercise along the Sagamu–Abeokuta Expressway.
The victim, identified as Oluwaseyi Adeoye, was part of a team engaged in enforcing building regulations at the site of Ganic Company, Orile-Imo, in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area when the fatal incident occurred. The team had gone to the location to pull down illegal structures, including fences deemed to be violating planning laws.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the situation turned tense shortly after state enforcement officials and their labourers arrived, encountering military personnel already stationed at the site. While the exact reason for the soldiers’ presence has not been officially explained, sources say that disagreements quickly escalated when the demolition team insisted on carrying out its assigned task despite objections from the uniformed personnel.
Residents and eyewitnesses allege that during the confrontation, a yet-to-be-identified soldier opened fire, striking Adeoye. One eyewitness quoted in media reports said the soldier “opened fire in anger” as the enforcement team was preparing to begin the demolition — a moment that sent workers and bystanders scattering for cover.
The victim was reported to have been hit by the bullet and died at the scene. His body was transported to the State General Hospital Morgue in Ijaye, Abeokuta, as investigations got underway.
The clash involved a mix of agencies: in addition to the military personnel, the demolition team was reportedly accompanied by seven police officers. Witnesses noted that despite their presence, police did not intervene effectively to de-escalate the standoff.
Reacting to the killing, the Chairman of the Concrete Dealers Association, Kolawole Obadeyi, condemned the loss of life, stressing that Adeoye was a labourer earning a modest daily wage and had been carrying out work he depended on for survival. Mr. Obadeyi also urged the government to provide compensation to the victim’s family, warning against leaving the family without support after burial.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Ogun State, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident and said the police are investigating to determine the facts surrounding the shooting. He noted that further details would emerge as inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, Tunji Odulami, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, described the death as tragic. He disclosed that state authorities are working with security agencies to identify the personnel involved and ensure a thorough investigation so that such incidents do not recur.
In response to public concern and media attention, the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, announced it has launched a Board of Inquiry to determine the circumstances of the shooting. The brigade extended condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged that the findings of the investigation would be made public as soon as possible, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability.
At the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued identifying any arrested personnel or specific disciplinary action. Observers note that the incident — involving the alleged use of live ammunition by a soldier during a civil enforcement action — has reignited debate over the coordination and rules of engagement between civilian enforcement teams and military forces engaged in internal security duties.
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