Fresh tension has gripped parts of Ile Ife, Osun State, following a violent clash between rival cult groups that reportedly claimed at least two lives on Tuesday. OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the incident occurred in the Ita Osa area along Ondo Road, sparking fear and panic among residents who said the violence continued into the next morning.
One of the victims, identified as Jamo, a suspected member of the Buccaneers Confraternity, was said to be celebrating his birthday when he was reportedly attacked and killed by suspected members of the Aye Confraternity. The area where the incident occurred is widely believed to be controlled by members of the Aye group, which has made the attack more sensitive and controversial within the community.
In a Facebook post, Naija Confra described Jamo as a shoemaker and a well known member of the Buccaneers in the neighbourhood. The platform noted that many of his friends were still posting birthday messages online, unaware that he had already been killed. According to the post, his death immediately triggered a series of retaliatory attacks by members of the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers reportedly struck back later that evening, killing an Aye member identified as OJ Mecho in the Asikolaye area. The violence escalated as more attacks followed, with two other individuals reportedly killed in separate incidents. Naija Confra stated that the identities of the additional victims have not yet been confirmed, leaving uncertainty about whether they were cult members or innocent residents caught in the crossfire.
Reports also emerged on Wednesday morning that another person was shot in the stomach near the community school in Ita Osa. Witnesses said the victim was rushed for medical attention, but details of his condition remain unclear. Residents described the situation as tense, with many fearing that further reprisal attacks could erupt.
Naija Confra further claimed that members of the Buccaneers insisted that there had been no prior dispute between the groups. They said Jamo’s only offense was celebrating his birthday in a neighbourhood dominated by members of a rival confraternity. On the other hand, members of the Aye group alleged that Jamo had long been a target. Some non cultist residents in the area told OSUN DEFENDER that the Aye group, including its local leader, had been accused of intimidation, extortion, and violence over the past months.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Osun Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday that two bodies were recovered after the initial clash. He noted that the police have deployed a tactical team to the affected areas to prevent further violence and to track down those responsible for the killings.
DSP Ojelabi assured residents that the police are maintaining a heavy presence in the community and will work to restore calm. He urged residents to remain cooperative and to report suspicious activities, warning that anyone found to be involved in the violence will face the full weight of the law.
The latest clash adds to a growing list of cult related incidents in Osun State, raising concerns among residents about the increasing activities of rival groups and the likelihood of further unrest if urgent measures are not taken.
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