By Ghazali Ibrahim
Emotions are running high following the brutal murder of Ayo, a young creative professional and designer behind the Instagram handle @Thrivescreatives who was reportedly killed two days ago in Lokoja, Kogi State, by a man who shared a co-working space with him and is said to be a correctional officer.
Ayo, who was described by colleagues as gentle, kind, and hardworking, was working late into the night on a deliverable when he was lured outside by the alleged killer.
According to reports, Ayo was struck with a heavy object on the head, causing him to collapse.
The attacker then reportedly butchered him and attempted to hide his body in a freezer before trying to flee with it in a Hilux van.
Police received a tip-off from someone who witnessed the horrific scene and set up a chase.
Officers were able to seize the vehicle but the suspect reportedly escaped on foot. Authorities believe the suspect and his wife have now fled Lokoja to Abuja.
Until his death, Ayo was said to have worked with the Kogi State Government and had previously collaborated on projects with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
A former colleague, Dewumi of Lagos, who had worked with Ayo and a mutual friend named Martins, shared an emotional tribute:
“Ayo was very gentle and kind. He was diligent. Whenever he called, he’d tell me about moving from state to state, and I’d ask if he was getting any rest. He was such a hardworking guy.”
The shocking nature of Ayo’s murder has sparked outrage and demands for justice across social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForAyo gaining traction.
Many are calling on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to launch an immediate manhunt for the suspect and ensure justice is served swiftly.
At the time of this report, police in Kogi are yet to officially confirm the suspect’s identity or issue a statement on the incident.
Ayo’s tragic death has left his friends, colleagues, and the broader creative community devastated.
“I don’t even know what to end this piece with,” wrote Dewumi.
