Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Sunday afternoon when a hunter, Taiwo Bolugbe, was accidentally shot and killed during a group hunting expedition in the Ajinawo area of Yewa North Local Government. The incident, which occurred near Dangote Cement Company in Ibese, has prompted an immediate investigation by the Ogun State Police Command.
According to a statement from the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the fatal shooting happened around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Bolugbe, along with five other hunters, had ventured into the bush in search of game. The group was near the Dangote Cement Company site in Ibese, a region known for its dense forests, which are often frequented by hunters in the area.
While attempting to retrieve a hunted animal, Bolugbe’s firearm, a Dane gun, reportedly slipped from his shoulder. As he reached to secure the weapon, it accidentally discharged, hitting him in the neck and lower jaw. The force of the gunshot caused fatal injuries, and despite immediate efforts by the other hunters to save his life, Bolugbe succumbed to his wounds.
The police were alerted to the incident at about 6:30 p.m. the same day, and immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. According to CSP Odutola, the five other hunters present during the expedition have been arrested and are currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of a hunter during a group hunting expedition at Ajinawo area, Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State,” Odutola stated. “At about 16:30hrs on March 23, 2025, we received a report that a hunting trip had turned fatal when a hunter, Taiwo Bolugbe, was accidentally shot.”
Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the shooting was an unfortunate accident. Bolugbe and his fellow hunters had embarked on a routine hunting trip when the incident occurred. While retrieving a recently hunted animal, Bolugbe’s firearm, which was not properly secured, slipped from his shoulder. The discharge of the gun, which struck him in the neck and lower jaw, was completely unintentional, according to the statement from the police.
Despite the tragic nature of the accident, the police have arrested all five hunters who were with Bolugbe during the expedition. They are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further questioning. The police have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, and once all statements are reviewed, those found responsible will be held accountable and prosecuted.
“The five hunters are in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing,” CSP Odutola added. “The designated investigating officer and team will review all the statements, and if anyone is found culpable, they will be charged to court for prosecution.”
This tragic incident has sparked a renewed conversation about firearm safety, especially among hunters who frequently carry guns during their expeditions. The police have used this unfortunate event as an opportunity to urge the public, especially those involved in hunting, to exercise extra caution when handling firearms.
CSP Odutola highlighted the importance of securing firearms properly to prevent accidental discharges, especially when they are not in use. The police spokesperson also called on hunters to adhere to safety measures that could help prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
“We urge all members of the public, especially those involved in hunting activities, to handle firearms with extreme caution,” Odutola stated. “It is crucial that proper safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents like this from happening again. Even in hunting, we must be vigilant about the safe handling of firearms.”
The Ogun State Police have stated that they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The five hunters who were arrested will undergo further questioning, and their statements will be reviewed to determine whether any negligence or misconduct played a role in the tragic incident.
