In the quiet towns of Ilesa and Osu in Osun State, Nigeria, recent clashes between rival fraternities have left a trail of devastation, with as many as six lives reportedly lost. The violence, attributed to clashes between cult groups, unfolded over Tuesday night and Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through the communities.
According to Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for the state police command, casualties were indeed recorded, although the exact figure remains undisclosed for security reasons. Opalola emphasized, “For security reasons, we will not give a figure. A rival group may be claiming that it has suffered more casualty than the other group, which may escalate the crisis.”
The clashes, characterized by targeted attacks, saw armed men suspected to be members of the Aye cult group claiming three lives in Ikoti, Ifofin, and Omiayo areas of Ilesa on Tuesday night. In a retaliatory strike, members of the Eye Confraternity allegedly stormed a farm in Osu, resulting in three further casualties.
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Providing insights into the grim events, a reliable security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Three people died Tuesday night, but another three were killed in Osu Wednesday evening. Those behind the last killing retaliated against the Tuesday killing.” The source clarified that the clashes primarily involved the Eye and Aye cult groups, with the initial attack coming from Aye members.
With tensions escalating, authorities have intensified security measures in the affected areas while promising to investigate claims of innocent residents being caught in the crossfire.