Tragedy struck in the GRA area of Lokoja as Aiyepeku Ayo, a prominent photojournalist based in Kogi State, was brutally murdered on July 22, allegedly by his neighbor, Adebayo Pelumi, an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspect reportedly lured the victim out of his office on the pretext of needing assistance at his poultry farm.

Adebayo then allegedly attacked Ayo with an iron rod, resulting in his death. In a gruesome turn, he was said to have dismembered Ayo’s body and stored the remains in a freezer in a bid to conceal the crime.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though authorities are not ruling out possibilities such as ritualistic intent or drug-related issues.

Reports also indicate that Adebayo’s wife had fled their home earlier, allegedly due to ongoing domestic abuse.

The Kogi State Police Command has launched a manhunt for Adebayo, who is currently on the run. His vehicle has been recovered, but the freezer believed to have contained the remains was found empty.

Police are urging members of the public with any relevant information to come forward as investigations continue.