Residents of Oke Ola Community in Osogbo have been gripped by fear following the killing of a local man identified as Kazeem, reportedly shot by a suspected cultist during a violent clash linked to a masquerade festival.

During a visit to the community on Monday, The PUNCH observed armed police officers stationed at key points to maintain order and prevent further violence.

An eyewitness close to the scene, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said Kazeem was fatally shot in the head by a suspected cult member who had followed a masquerade into the area.

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A female resident, who sells groceries nearby, described the incident as a bloody confrontation that occurred around 7 pm on Sunday.

According to her, men believed to be members of the Eiye Confraternity, led by a man named Tajudeen from Oke Baale, accompanied a masquerade and clashed violently with a rival cult group in Oke Ola.

“From my vantage point, I saw Tajudeen and his group engage another cult faction here. During the fight, Kazeem was shot in the head and died instantly. Several others were injured as various weapons were used,” she said. She also mentioned that Tajudeen was identified as the person who fired the fatal shot.

The situation was eventually brought under control when officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit responded to calls for help, causing the cultists to flee. The grocer added, “Many residents ran indoors to avoid harm. The police restored calm, removed the body, and have since maintained a presence in the area. Despite this, people remain uneasy.”

Osun Police Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident and said a manhunt is underway for those responsible. He warned that lawlessness would not be tolerated in the state.

“The attack occurred on Sunday during the masquerade festival, which the perpetrators exploited to carry out their crime. We have not made any arrests yet, but the suspects are being pursued. One person was killed,” Ojelabi stated.

Oyo Government Seals Off Collapsed Building in Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has sealed off a building undergoing reconstruction in Ibadan, the state capital, after it collapsed during a rainstorm on Sunday night.

The building, located on the main road in Dugbe leading to Mokola, gave way amid heavy rains that affected parts of Ibadan.