Tension has gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, following the killing of three persons in suspected cult clashes between Friday and Sunday, forcing residents to flee and traders to shut their businesses.

The latest violence has heightened fears across the city, with residents and other stakeholders calling on the state government and security agencies to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.

The first incident occurred on Friday evening at a lounge around Owo-Eba, in the Owode-Ilesa Garage area.

Sources said a rival gang stormed the lounge where Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as Small Rugged, and others were relaxing and opened fire.

Taoreed, who was alleged to be linked to the Eiye confraternity, although the claim could not be independently verified, was killed alongside another man identified only as Osha.

Four other persons sustained gunshot injuries when the assailants allegedly fired sporadically while fleeing the scene. The shooting triggered panic along the Ilesa Garage-Ayepe axis, as residents ran for safety and shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, described it as a suspected cult clash.

Ojelabi said: “The command is aware of a shooting incident suspected to be cult clash around Owo-Eba area, Osogbo. Two persons died at the spot, one identified as Small Rugged, while the other’s name is yet unknown. Four other people sustained gunshot injuries and have been rushed by the police to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, had directed tactical teams to apprehend those responsible. 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 later, violence erupted again in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo on Sunday morning, leaving a man identified as Taoheed Ojoiku dead.

Residents said the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m., throwing the area into chaos.

Ojoiku was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The circumstances surrounding the attack were not immediately clear. However, sources said it might have been connected to Friday’s killings, raising fears that the incident could be a reprisal attack.

Residents have urged the state government and security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations across the city to prevent further clashes and restore normalcy. (The Guardian)

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