The quiet farming communities around Moniya, on the outskirts of Ibadan in Oyo State, have been thrown into mourning after a hunting expedition ended in tragedy with the fatal shooting of a local hunter by his colleague.

Police authorities in Oyo State confirmed that 35-year-old hunter, Waheed Rasaki, is in custody after he allegedly shot dead his fellow hunter, identified as Femi Oyedepo, during a hunting trip in the Oretan Ijaiye Forest, Akinyele Local Government Area.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, Rasaki walked into the Moniya Police Division to report that he had mistakenly fired the shot that killed Oyedepo. The two men were said to be on a routine hunting expedition in the dense forest area when the incident occurred.

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Olayinka Ayanlade, the command explained that Rasaki reported the incident himself, claiming it was an accident that occurred while they were tracking game in the forest.

The police spokesperson said Rasaki told investigators that the shot was fired around 2 p.m. while they were deep inside the Oretan Ijaiye Forest. The bullet struck Oyedepo, who reportedly slumped immediately and died on the spot before any help could reach him.

Upon receiving the report, officers from the Moniya Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, moved swiftly to the scene. They found Oyedepo’s lifeless body in the forest and recovered it for further examination. Rasaki was immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

The police have not yet disclosed the type of firearm used, but hunting in rural Oyo communities typically involves locally made or licensed shotguns. Investigators are expected to examine the weapon, the trajectory of the shot, and the circumstances under which it was fired to determine whether the killing was indeed accidental or the result of negligence or foul play.

The Oyo State Police Command said a full-scale investigation has commenced, with detectives assigned to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. Part of the inquiry will focus on whether safety protocols were observed, whether the hunters were properly licensed, and whether there were any prior disputes between the two men.

Police authorities used the incident to highlight the dangers associated with the careless handling of firearms, even in rural settings where hunting is a long-standing tradition and a source of livelihood for many families.

SP Ayanlade noted that the command views both criminal and accidental deaths involving firearms with utmost seriousness, stressing that every such case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their families.

The death of Oyedepo has sent shockwaves through the Oretan Ijaiye community, where both men were known as experienced hunters. Residents say hunting is a common activity in the area, with many men venturing into the surrounding forests to trap or shoot small game, either for food or for sale in local markets.

In addition to the Moniya incident, the Oyo State Police Command is also investigating another fatal shooting that occurred the same day in Saki, in the northern part of the state, underscoring growing concerns about the use of firearms among civilians.

In that separate case, police arrested a suspect, identified as Olatunji Segun, in connection with the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki. The student, whose name was not immediately released by authorities, reportedly died after being shot during a fight among students near the institution.

According to the police, officers responded to a distress call about a violent altercation involving students at Challenge 1 Area, behind the polytechnic. During the clash, one of the students sustained a gunshot wound to the back. He was rushed to a private hospital in Saki, where he later died from his injuries.

Police officers who visited the scene recovered an expended cartridge, suggesting that a locally made or conventional shotgun may have been used. Segun was subsequently arrested as a suspect, and investigators are working to determine his exact role in the incident, the origin of the firearm, and the motive behind the shooting.

The two cases, occurring within hours of each other in different parts of Oyo State, have prompted renewed debate about the proliferation of firearms and the ease with which civilians, including students and hunters, can access weapons.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers who responded to both incidents for what he described as professional and swift action that led to the prompt arrest of suspects and the recovery of evidence.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime, preventing avoidable deaths, and ensuring that anyone found responsible for unlawful killings, whether intentional or through reckless conduct, faces the full weight of the law.

He also appealed to residents across the state to remain vigilant and to work closely with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information about suspicious activities, illegal possession of firearms, and brewing conflicts that could escalate into violence.

Police authorities emphasized that community cooperation remains crucial in preventing tragedies like the Moniya hunting death and the Saki student killing. They urged families, school authorities, and community leaders to educate young people and firearm users about the consequences of mishandling weapons.

As investigations continue, Rasaki is expected to face charges related to the death of his colleague, pending the outcome of forensic analysis and witness statements. In Saki, Segun will also remain in custody while detectives build a case around the circumstances of the student’s killing.