At least eight people have been killed in Osun State in cult-related clashes and transport union leadership tussles after the August 15 governorship election.
The killings, which cut across Ikire, Ile-Ife and Osogbo, have heightened tension among residents who fear being caught in the rivalries.
On August 24, barely nine days after the election, two persons were killed in Ikire following an alleged attempt to take over a motor park at Naira and Kobo Junction in the town.
One of the victims was identified as Mr. Nureni Sobowale, popularly known as Injector, who was shot in the head inside a vehicle while returning to his base in Bayelsa State after attending his mother-in-law’s burial in Ibadan.
On September 13, a chieftain of the Accord Party and aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olalekan Ajagungbade, also known as Emir, and one other person were shot dead at the Mayfair garage in Ile-Ife.
The victims were attacked at about 1:20pm while eating inside the garage.
Two days later, on September 15, a man identified as Adejuwon Adekunle, alias Asa, was shot dead by gunmen near a recreation centre in the Dele Yes Sir area, Osogbo.
He was reportedly attacked between 1:30am and 2am. Police said preliminary findings suggested the incident was cult-related.
On Friday, two persons were confirmed dead by the police in a clash involving suspected members of rival cult groups at a lounge in Owoeba, along the Osogbo/Ilesa Road. The attack occurred around 5pm.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday morning when one Taoheed, popularly known as Ojoiku, was killed at the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo in what is suspected to be a rival cult clash.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has deployed tactical teams to the Oke Baale area of Osogbo to curb the recent wave of cult-related incidents in the state capital.
The spokesperson for the Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura, issued the directive following the disturbances.
According to the statement, the tactical teams have been charged to conduct intelligence-led raids and operations professionally and within the ambit of the law, targeting identified cult members, criminal hideouts and other locations linked to criminal activities.
The Commissioner also directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols, gather actionable intelligence and maintain sustained presence in identified flashpoints across the metropolis.
“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Osogbo and the entire Osun State that the Police are fully in control of the security situation. Osogbo remains safe, and residents should go about their lawful activities without fear,” the statement said.
The Command, however, warned cult groups, their members, sponsors and sympathisers that there would be no haven for those who engage in cult-related violence, shootings or other criminal activities.
“Anyone found to be involved will be identified, arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” it added.
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