Tension Rises in Ilesa as Residents Link Notorious Suspect Solo Iwara to Gruesome Murder of NURTW Chief, “Germani”

 

Tension gripped the ancient city of Ilesa on Tuesday night following the brutal killing of a prominent National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader, Ademoroti Adeboye, widely known as Germani. The attack, which occurred around the Bolorunduro/Olomilagbala axis, has sparked outrage, fear, and renewed concerns over rising insecurity in the area.

According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the assailants arrived at the victim’s residence around 10 p.m. in a Toyota Corolla sedan, just as he was preparing to retire for the night. They reportedly dragged him out of his premises and opened fire repeatedly. When they noticed the bullets were not penetrating, the attackers allegedly resorted to a more brutal method, striking him in the head with a heavy object before butchering him to death.

Although the motive behind the killing remains uncertain, several residents who spoke anonymously alleged that the attack was led by a feared figure in the area, Solomon Adefioye, popularly called Solo Iwara, a man many residents describe as a notorious hitman linked to past violent incidents.

Iwara, said to be on the wanted list of the Osun State Police Command, has been previously mentioned in connection with politically motivated killings in Osun State since 2022. These allegations, though unconfirmed by authorities, continue to dominate public conversations in Ilesa.

One resident described the attackers as “men on a mission,” adding:

 “They walked straight to his door. No noise, no confusion. They dragged him out and kept shooting. When the bullets weren’t working, they changed method. It was horrifying.”

Another resident claimed that the victim shouted Solo Iwara’s name during the struggle, moments before gunshots rang out.

“We heard him scream the name. But at that hour, knowing how deadly Solo is reputed to be, nobody could come out. People are too scared. Nobody wants to mention the name loudly,” the resident said.

A community member familiar with the political climate added that the style of killing resembled previous politically motivated attacks in the region.

“Germani was a strong APC member. His influence in NURTW circles was huge. This wasn’t the first attempt on his life. After the 2022 and 2023 elections, he fled Ilesa because of several attempts to kill him. Many APC members were killed during that period. People in town know the names mentioned behind these killings, including Solo Iwara, but because of powerful backers, nothing happens.”

Following the gruesome murder, residents are calling on security agencies in Ilesa East and across Osun State to investigate urgently and restore confidence in local safety.

A young resident who spoke to journalists expressed deep concern:

 “If killers can enter someone’s house at 10 p.m., drag him out, shoot him, and still finish him off when bullets failed, then nobody is safe.”

Another resident pleaded:

“We are begging the police to save us. Solo Iwara was declared wanted before, he fled, but he’s back in Ilesa boasting that nobody can arrest him. Germani’s killing shows the town cannot be safe until the authorities act.”

Police authorities are yet to issue an official 

statement on the incident as of press time.