NOLLYWOOD ACTOR AZEEZ IJADUADE SURVIVES SHOOTING INCIDENT AT END-OF YEAR PARTY

Nollywood actor and director Azeez Ololade Ijaduade narrowly escaped a gunshot wound during an end-of-year gathering at a hotel in Iperu, Ogun State. According to the Ogun State Police Command, an accidental discharge led to an ammunition shell striking the actor in the neck.

“During the Bramaj Company end-of-year party in a hotel, a mobile policeman attached to the Chinese expatriate expended a shot into the air, and unfortunately, the ammunition shell hit one Azeez Ijaduade, an actor, on the neck,” confirmed spokesperson Omolola Odutola.

Amidst the chaos, Ijaduade’s colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, urgently sought assistance through social media, emphasizing the actor’s critical condition.

However, subsequent updates indicated that Ijaduade was swiftly taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, where his condition stabilized.

Abiodun Adebanjo posted on his Instagram handle, @iamabiodunadebanjo, and was captioned:

“Please we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by a Nigeria Police personnel.

He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital.

Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out.”

The Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command, Abiodun Alamutu, stated: “Yes, we got the story, but I can confirm to you that the Nollywood actor is in a stable condition now.”

Despite the turmoil, a video surfaced on social media featuring Ijaduade and fellow Nollywood actors, including Odunlade Adekola, expressing gratitude for the actor’s survival. Even with visible injuries, Ijaduade appeared in good spirits, fostering hope among well-wishers.

Commissioner Alamutu paid a visit to Azeez Ijaduade and mentioned that the officer involved in the shooting is facing disciplinary actions. According to Alamutu, the officer fired a bullet into the air to disperse a group of individuals trying to approach the person he was protecting. Alamutu expressed his relief that the actor is in a stable condition but called the incident unfortunate and unnecessary.

This incident, one of many, has sparked discussions on firearm safety. Calls for increased vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols have resonated strongly amidst the aftermath of the startling episode.

Inside Nollywood and the entire Nollywood community stands in solidarity, celebrating Ijaduade’s fortunate escape and collectively praying for his swift recovery, while reiterating the need for meticulous firearm handling and heightened safety measures at public gatherings.

By Shalom O. Obisesan