The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said the slain Shooting Stars of Ibadan defender, Joseph Izu who was shot by members of the Joint Task Force on Sunday was killed at a cultist’s shrine, The Punch reports.
The late defender’s father, Reuben Izu had accused the Army of executing his son at close range.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig. Gen. Hamisu Hassan, said it was investigating the incident to determine what Izu was doing at the shrine.
Hassan said Izu was killed when troops, who were on a “confidence building patrol”, moved into cultists’ hideout in Okaki village, adding that the place he (footballer) was found was isolated.
“Information available to the patrolling troops indicated the presence of suspected cultists in Okaki village. The troops moved in and raided the suspected criminal hideout. One person lost his life at the hideout while several others fled.
“Later, it was confirmed that the person who lost his life was a Nigerian footballer, identified as Mr. Izu Joseph. Nevertheless, investigation is ongoing to determine what he (Izu) was doing at the cultist’s shrine at that time.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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