The Ogun State Government has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the alleged shooting and death of one of its contract staff members, Seyi Afolabi, are brought to justice.

Afolabi was reportedly shot during a routine physical planning and urban development enforcement exercise along the Siun–Abeokuta Expressway.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving members of the deceased’s family in his office. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr Lekan Adeniran.

Odunlami disclosed that individuals allegedly connected to the incident had been identified, stressing that the administration of Governor Abiodun would not abandon the late staff member who died in the line of duty.

He stated that the body would be released to the family after the completion of a post-mortem examination and assured that the government would provide necessary support to the bereaved family.

“I want to assure you that this is a responsible and responsive government. He was on official duty to assist the government, and we cannot abandon him.

“While we gave him the assignment, we are not responsible for what led to his death. However, we will ensure that anyone directly involved is held accountable.

“As a government, we have a duty to ensure that all necessary steps are taken, including a thorough investigation, the burial process and appropriate assistance to his family.

“Some arrests have already been made by security agencies. The truth will come out, and the facts will be made known. The body is currently in the mortuary, and we will maintain open communication with the family,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s uncle, Chief Ayodele Afolabi, expressed confidence in the state government to ensure justice is served. He appealed to the authorities not to neglect the family left behind.

“We believe this government will do the needful. I have requested a post-mortem examination so we can determine the exact cause of death and the weapon responsible. We want clarity and justice for Seyi,” he said.

The deceased, identified as Adeoye, was reportedly shot on Monday during a demolition exercise at Ganic Company in Orile-Imo along the Sagamu–Abeokuta Expressway in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area.

Officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were said to have visited the company to enforce building regulations regarding the approved height of its fence when the incident occurred.

Sources said the enforcement team met resistance from military operatives stationed at the site, leading to a confrontation. Witnesses alleged that a soldier opened fire during the standoff, fatally hitting the worker.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Army, through the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said a board of inquiry had been set up to investigate the matter.

The Army extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, promising to make the findings of its investigation public.