Two people were killed and four others injured in a suspected cult-related shooting incident that erupted at a lounge in Owoeba, Osogbo, Osun State, on Friday afternoon. The Osun State Police Command confirmed the violent clash, which occurred in the Oke-Baale area along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road, and attributed it to ongoing activities by cult groups operating in the region. According to the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, the attack took place during a gathering where victims were drinking before being targeted by armed assailants.
Ojelabi stated that two individuals died at the scene, with one identified as “Small Rugged,” though efforts are still underway to confirm his full name and other details. Four others sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The police also evacuated the bodies from the crime scene and launched an investigation into the incident. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura ordered tactical units to deploy to the area to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and loud commotion shortly after the attackers arrived at the lounge. A local resident, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, described how a fight broke out between the group and the assailants, leading to the fatal shootings. “We heard gunshots and noise in the afternoon. The deceased was with some people drinking when the assailants arrived. They were in a lounge,” the source said. One victim was reportedly shot in the head and died instantly, while another man was also fatally wounded.
The incident has heightened fears among residents of Oke-Baale and surrounding communities, who have long complained about the presence of cultists and rising violence in the area. Police are intensifying patrols and surveillance operations to prevent further attacks. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams expected to conduct a thorough examination of the crime scene.
This latest outbreak of violence underscores the persistent challenge of cultism in parts of Osun State, particularly in urban areas like Osogbo where such groups often operate under the radar. As the police continue their search for suspects, community leaders are calling for stronger collaboration between security agencies and residents to restore peace. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked criminal elements, and authorities are now under pressure to deliver swift justice and ensure lasting security in the region.
Leave a Comment