Tension has returned to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, following a reported cult-related attack in the Ita-Olokan area in the early hours of Saturday, October 4.
A man identified as Taoreed, popularly known as Ojoiku, and said to be affiliated with the Eiye confraternity, was reportedly attacked by suspected members of a rival group, the Aye confraternity. As of press time, his exact condition could not be independently confirmed.
Residents reported hearing more gunshots in nearby areas shortly after the initial attack, raising fears of a possible escalation.
According to local security sources and community reports, the latest incident is connected to the ongoing rivalry between the two groups.
Recall that on Friday, October 2, a deadly reprisal attack was recorded in Osogbo, reportedly carried out by the Aye group in retaliation for the killing of their member, identified as Leksy, who was killed in July, and in connection with the death of a notorious member identified as Emir in September.
In that October 2 attack, two persons identified as Small Rugged and Seyi Osha, said to be members of the Eiye group, were killed, while several other persons, including non-members, were affected. One non-member, identified as Agba Kali, who was said to have gone to the area to play bets, later died in the hospital.
With the latest attack on October 4, there are serious concerns among residents that the cycle of reprisal could escalate further if not quickly contained.
Stakeholders and security monitors have called on the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene urgently with decisive security measures to prevent further loss of lives.
They urged the administration to learn from other states, like Edo State, that have applied tough legislative and enforcement measures to tackle cult-related violence.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid volatile areas, and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident as of the time of filing this report.