The 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, has launched an investigation into the death of Oluwaseyi Adeoye, a labourer reportedly shot dead by a military operative during a demolition exercise at Ganic Company, Orile-Imo, along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the brigade, Idereghi Akari, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and affirming the army’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade has taken cognisance of allegations surrounding an incident at a demolition site at Ganic Company, Orile-Imo, on 23 February 2026, involving a soldier and a labourer, reportedly resulting in a fatality,” the statement read. “The Brigade acknowledges the gravity of the situation and extends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been promptly constituted to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as possible.”

Adeoye, employed by the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, was part of a team enforcing building regulations, including the permissible height of fences, at the company. Eyewitnesses said tension escalated when the demolition team encountered resistance from military personnel stationed at the site.

One witness alleged that a soldier opened fire in anger as the enforcement team attempted to begin the demolition, striking Adeoye, who reportedly died on the spot. His remains were deposited at the State General Hospital morgue in Ijaye, Abeokuta.

Kolawole Obadeyi, Chairman of the Concrete Dealers Association, expressed deep regret over the incident, noting that the ministry and local contractors had collaborated for over 38 years without such a tragedy. “It was shocking that we lost Oluwaseyi because of a N10,000 daily job. He only went out to earn a living. This is unfortunate,” Obadeyi said, urging the government to compensate the family.

Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the shooting and said investigations were ongoing. “I can confirm that someone who is attached to the Ministry of Planning was shot dead. Investigations are ongoing to get to the root of the incident,” he said.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odulami, described the killing as “unfortunate” and said security agencies had been contacted to identify those involved. He assured that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and commiserated with the deceased’s family.