Suspected cultists have killed a 56-year-old man, Bode Akinsiku, in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo Local Council in Ondo State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at a popular joint on Loro Street, Odosida axis of the town.

Akinsiku was shot at close range after being trailed to the bar by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Akinsiku, described as a popular drug dealer, had arrived at the joint to meet with some individuals. While there, he received a phone call and was approached by one of the assailants.

The source said, “While he (Akinsiku) was receiving a call, some boys arrived on a motorcycle. One of the boys approached him and asked whether he could identify him. They both engaged in a heated shouting match for some seconds before he was shot several times at close range.

“The gunman, after shooting Bode, crossed to the other side of the road and fired sporadically to scare residents before fleeing on a motorcycle.”

The killing caused panic in the area, prompting shops and businesses to close abruptly as residents fled to avoid possible arrests.

Police operatives from Enuowa Divisional Police Station arrived at the scene and evacuated Akinsiku’s body to the mortuary at Ondo State Specialist Hospital.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state command, Olayinka Ayanlade, described it as a cult-related killing.

Ayanlade noted that cult clashes have become frequent in the area and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible. He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide information that could aid in the arrest of the culprits.