A suspected cultist named Kazeem lost his life on Sunday evening in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, following a violent confrontation between rival cult groups during a masquerade festival.
The clash reportedly broke out around 7:00 p.m. in the Oke-Ola area, where members of the Eiye confraternity, allegedly led by a man identified as Tajudeen from Oke-Baale, were part of an entourage accompanying a masquerade.
Tensions flared when another cult group attempted to join the procession, culminating in a deadly encounter.
Eyewitness Ismail Bakare described the moment chaos erupted.
“It started with both groups hurling stones at each other. Suddenly, gunshots rang out and everyone fled. When the dust settled, Kazeem was found lying in a pool of blood, while the others had fled,” he told Vanguard.
Confirming the incident, Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that officers from the anti-cultism squad responded swiftly to avert further violence.
“Yes, the incident occurred. The hoodlums exploited the masquerade festival to carry out their criminal activities. Upon the arrival of our operatives, the armed individuals fled the scene. We have since launched a manhunt to apprehend those involved,” Ojelabi said.
The police have reassured residents that active efforts are underway to restore order and prevent future cult-related disturbances in the area.