Two persons were on Friday killed while four others sustained gunshot injuries in a suspected clash between rival cult groups in Osogbo, Osun State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5pm at a lounge in Owoeba, along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road, where the victims were said to have been attacked by unidentified assailants.
A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident caused panic among residents after gunshots and sounds of a fight were heard.
“We heard gunshots and noise in the afternoon. The deceased was with some people drinking when the assailants arrived. They were in a lounge.
“They engaged in a fight before the two men were eventually subdued and killed. One of them was hit on the head by the assailants. He died on the spot. Another man was also shot by the assailants,” the resident said.
The resident identified one of the deceased as “Small Rugged,” adding that residents became frightened following the incident.
The situation was later brought under the attention of the police, with a police van reportedly seen conveying the two corpses along Station Road, Osogbo.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the shooting was suspected to have been carried out by cult groups around the Oke Baale area of Osogbo.
Ojelabi, in a message, said, “The command is aware of a shooting incident suspected to have been perpetrated by cult groups around Oke Baale Area, Osogbo.
“Two persons died at the spot. One of them is identified as ‘Small Rugged’. His other names are not known yet. 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 Zungura, had directed tactical teams to move into the area and arrest those responsible for the attack.
“The CP has directed tactical teams to move out to apprehend those behind this nefarious act,” Ojelabi stated.
