The Ondo State police command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect over the murder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ayodele Peter, by suspected cultists.

Mr Peter, 25, was killed by members of a cult group at the Opomulero area of Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday evening when the assailants reportedly stormed the community in search of rival cult members and killed Mr Peter.

A student source who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity for security reasons said the assailants traced Mr Peter to his residence and shot him.

“We received a call yesterday evening that Peter was shot by some guys believed to be cultists. We were told that they pretended to be visitors.

“They called him out of his apartment and shot him at point-blank range. He struggled to stay alive before he was rushed to the hospital,” he said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the newly deployed spokesman for the police command, Jimoh Kazeem, said security agents launched a manhunt immediately after the incident and the suspect was arrested.

Mr Kazeem, who explained that the name of the suspect was still being concealed due to ongoing investigation, said the suspect is currently in custody and giving out useful information.

“The suspect has made useful statements and is presently in custody, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large,” Mr Kazeem said in the statement.