A demolition exercise along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State turned deadly on Monday after a casual worker engaged by the state government was allegedly shot and killed during a confrontation involving soldiers.

The deceased, identified as Oluwaseyi Adeoye, was part of an enforcement team from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development tasked with pulling down structures said to violate approved building regulations, particularly the height of a perimeter fence at Ganic Company in Orile-Imo.

Eyewitness accounts suggest tensions escalated when the enforcement team encountered armed military personnel stationed at the facility. The officials reportedly insisted on proceeding with the demolition despite objections from the soldiers, leading to a heated altercation.

A labourer present at the scene alleged that a soldier opened fire during the fracas, claiming the troops “wanted to kill everyone” and that even accompanying police officers were unable to restore order. Adeoye was hit by a stray bullet and died on the spot.

His body has since been deposited at the State General Hospital morgue in Ijaye, Abeokuta, as the community and stakeholders express shock and grief over the incident.

The Chairman of the Concrete Dealers Association, Kolawole Obadeyi, described the killing as avoidable and tragic, noting that Adeoye lost his life while earning a modest daily wage.

“We have worked with the ministry for over 38 years without such a tragedy. When they discovered soldiers were at the location, they could have retreated and sought reinforcement. It is painful that a young man died while trying to earn a living,” Obadeyi said, urging the Ogun State Government to compensate the bereaved family.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents and industry players, who are calling for a transparent investigation and accountability.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State confirmed that an investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Similarly, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development condemned the killing and stated that security agencies had been engaged to identify those responsible.

The military has also promised to investigate. An acting spokesperson for the 35 Artillery Brigade said the command had yet to receive full details but pledged cooperation with investigators.

As the probe unfolds, demands for justice and compensation for the victim’s family continue to mount, with residents calling for measures to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic and avoidable incident