Tension has gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, after three persons were killed in suspected cult clashes between Friday and Sunday. Residents and traders have fled and shut businesses, heightening fear in the state. Stakeholders are tasking the state government and security agencies to restore peace and order. The incidents have sparked concerns about the state's security situation.
The first incident occurred on Friday evening at a lounge in the Owode-Ilesa Garage area. A rival gang stormed the lounge, opening fire and killing Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as Small Rugged, and another person identified as Osha. Four others sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Osun State Police Command spokesperson confirmed the incident, describing it as a suspected cult clash.
The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, had directed tactical teams to apprehend those responsible. However, no arrest had been announced as of press time. Claims linking Taoreed to alleged thuggery and political violence during the 2026 Osun governorship electioneering could not be independently verified.
About 48 hours after the first incident, tension erupted again in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo on Sunday morning, when rival groups clashed, leaving a man identified as Taoheed Ojoiku dead. Residents reported that trouble started around 9:30 a.m., throwing the area into chaos. Ojoiku was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Although the circumstances surrounding the latest attack could not be immediately ascertained, sources suggested it might be connected to Friday's killings, possibly a reprisal attack. Residents have called on the Osun State Government and security agencies to beef up surveillance and restore normalcy to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
In a separate incident, there was tension at the Idasa area of Ilesa after a member of a major political party beat his fellow member for allegedly carting away money meant for voters during the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state. Keen political observers noted that the consequences of the "monitised vote" are far from over.
The incidents have raised concerns about the lingering effects of the governorship election and the need for the government and security agencies to address the root causes of the violence. The government and security agencies have been urged to take decisive action to restore peace and order in the state and prevent further incidents.
Key points
- Three people were killed in suspected cult clashes in Osun State, Nigeria, between Friday and Sunday.
- The incidents have sparked concerns about the state's security situation and the lingering effects of the governorship election.
- Residents have called on the government and security agencies to beef up surveillance and restore normalcy to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
