By Gabriel Atumeyi
365Daily – The Ondo state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has expressed sad and condemnation over the killing of one of its members, Bunmi Afuye in a bank robbery in the state.
In a statement on Thursday signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Adetona Aderoboye and Leke Adegbite, the union describe the death of Bunmi Afuye as ‘Sunset at Noon’ as the deceased was an exception fellow who has made significant contributions and strides to the profession.
While condoling with the family of the deceased, the union said it has declared seven days of mourning in his honour.
It further called on security operatives to act swiftly to apprehend his killers.
“The leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council received today’s gruesome killing of one of us, Olubunmi Afuye, in a bank robbery with grief and disbelief.
“His untimely killing by dare devil armed robbers at Ilaramokin is highest level of callousness, wickedness and unforgivable act of cutting short life of one of our brightest, cerebral and versatile colleagues. It is indeed a case of ‘Sunset at Noon’ in Ondo State journalism fraternity.
“We will surely miss Bunmi’s huge contributions to Ondo NUJ and unionism in the state as he anchored last December’s NUJ Press Week and this year’s Workers’ Day celebrations free of charge, while many of our members had benefitted from his media expertise.
“We register our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the wife, children, family, Media Professionals (especially those at ORANGE FM/OSRC), Friends as well as Elizade University, Ilaramokin where Bunmi was recently appointed as the Public Relations Officer, over this irreparable loss.
“We equally condole families and colleagues of the policeman and motorcyclist killed in the bank robbery.
“While declaring seven days of mourning in honour of our slain member popularly known as “BUMBAM”, Ondo NUJ demands that security operatives should do everything humanly possible to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice within shortest time.
The police had earlier confirmed the killing on Thursday of Mr Olubunmi Afuye and two others in a bank robbery at Ilara – Mokin in Ifedora Local Government of the state.
According to the police command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tee Leo Ikoro, the suspected robbers also killed a policeman and motorcyclist.