A tragic incident marred the Ileya festival celebrations in Osogbo, Osun State, as a teenage boy, identified as 18-year-old Sodiq Sobowale, reportedly lost his life after being allegedly forced to consume hard drugs by his friends.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred this afternoon June 15, 2024, when a group of teenagers gathered to celebrate the annual Ileya festival, a significant event for the Muslim community marking the end of Ramadan. Sodiq, a promising student was among the celebrants.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the group of friends coerced Sodiq into taking an unknown quantity of illicit drugs, purportedly as part of the celebration’s revelries.
It was reported that Sodiq initially resisted but eventually succumbed to peer pressure. Shortly after consuming the substances, he began to exhibit severe distress, prompting his friends to panic.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Sodiq was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite the medical team’s efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending an autopsy. However, preliminary reports suggest that the substances ingested played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
Local leaders and community members have expressed grief and concern, emphasizing the need for vigilance during festive celebrations.
Sodiq’s family, devastated by the loss of their son, has called for justice and urged other parents to be mindful of their children’s activities, especially during festive periods.
“Sodiq was a bright light in our lives,” said his father, Mr. Sobowale. “We hope his death serves as a wake-up call to other families and authorities to protect our children from such dangers.”
As the Ileya festival continues, the community mourns the untimely death of a young life cut short, while authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and prevent future tragedies.
