Friends of undergraduate slain at polling unit mourn …another killed in Oyo State

Juliana Francis and Sola Adeyemo

Twenty-four-hours after 19-year-old Daniel Usman, an undergraduate was shot to death at a polling unit in Kogi State, his friends have continued to mourn him on social media.

This was even as fresh information emerged that another young voter, a teenager, Monsuru Hamzat, was killed at Lako compound in Ibadan South East Local Government Area during Saturday’s elections.

It was gathered that Usman was killed by flying bullets from political thugs in Kogi State. Usman is a first time voter and was killed at Ajetachi polling unit, Anyigba, Kogi State.

Ironically, Usman, 24 hours to his death, had taken to his facebook wall to preach against political violence.

He wrote: “Vote and not fight! Respect Yourself and stay out of trouble…God bless Nigeria.”

The write up on his wall turned out to be his last.

An alleged eyewitness, Ilemona on twitter brought another angle to the death of Usman. Ilemona said that Usman was killed while insisting on voting for any candidate of his choice.

Ilemona said: “Daniel Usman was shot and killed today at his polling unit in Ayangba, Kogi State while insisting he had a right to vote for any candidate of his choice and that he wasn’t going to be compelled to vote for APC. He was only 19.”

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, Leye Oyebade, yesterday promised to fish out the killers of  Hamzat.

The AIG, who said that investigation into the matter had commenced, disclosed that he made the promise of catching his killers after he paid condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

Just like Usman, Hamzat was shot to death in Ibadan, Oyo State, by political thugs after INEC started counting of votes in some polling units.

The incident occurred at Polling Unit 2 of Ibadan South East local government.

The shooting and subsequent death of Hamzat was witnessed by a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja who came to cast his vote.

An eyewitness said: “The boy, Monsuru, who just finished his secondary education at St Luke’s College in Molete, Ibadan, was mauled down by the thugs. Many residents believe the thugs belong to the group called ‘One Million Boys.’ Votes were being collated when the assailants came into Lanko Compound, Agbongbon area of Kudeti, the same ward where Ambassador Arapaja voted. They started shooting sporadically. It led to the death of Monsuru.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gbenga Fadeyi a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident.

Fadeyi said: “It is true that a boy was shot dead at Kudeti. When the former Deputy Governor (of ADC) got to the polling unit, votes were already being counted. Some thugs that stormed the area then started shooting into the air and in the process, the boy was hit. People rushed him to a hospital where he was later confirmed dead.”

One of the friends of Usman, who took to her Facebook wall to mourn him, is Anako Precious. She also penned a tribute to him.

Precious described him as, “My dear friend.” One, she would always remember and miss.

She wrote: “ I think about all the laughter, And even the times we'd touch…You see me full of sorrow, Cause so much of you I love. Even if you're dead, You're never dead in my heart. When a close friend unexpectedly leaves us, a piece of our heart is forever broken. Trust Me, God will surely revenge your killers down to their generation.”

She added: “I valued your teachings. I valued your sincere love. Thank God I have always been telling you how cherished you're. My heart is heavy. My eyes are filled with tears. Danny have you forgotten all the promises?
Why did you do this to me? Who will I confide in?
Who will teach me math?  You went on your right to vote. Now everything has ended.”
Another friend,  Ann Ani said: “ If he was told that he will meet his death yesterday, he wouldn't have believed. He wouldn't have gone out to vote. Death is indeed inevitable. Slay queens and kings hope you learnt, no matter how pretty or handsome you  are, something somewhere is waiting for you .Slay in Christ! And remain in him. Rip dear Danny. May you gentle soul rest in peace.”

Jeffrey Buchanan noted: “RIP bro...It’s so painful I really don't know how your family is going to face this great loss because even we that haven't met you before are in so much pain. Death is unpredictable. May the good God grant you a better place and accept your soul Amen.”