By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Three people have been shot dead in cult-related clashes involving suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities, which occured around the Imo Area of Ilesa in the state.
The The Osun State Police Command disclosed this in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, August 11.
According to the statement, the clashes occurred around 8:00 p.m on Monday, August 10 and upon receipt of a distress call from the area, the command said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, Samuel Etaifo, directed the deployment of operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit to the scene of the crime.
“The Osun State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that there was a reported cult-related clash between suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities in the Imo area of Ilesa, Osun State, at about 8:00 p.m.
“Following the incident, three persons, identified as Idowu, Yinka and Eja, all yet to be properly identified, were reportedly shot dead.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, PSC, MNIPS, immediately directed the deployment of operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the area to prevent further escalation, apprehend those responsible and restore calm,” the statement read.
The police command added that it recovered four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones from the scene of the crime, adding that preliminary investigations have commenced into the incident and further developments will be communicated to the public.
“The Command is also working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all persons connected with the clash.
“The CP Election has directed the VCRU operatives and other tactical teams to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations within Ilesa and adjoining areas, particularly around identified flashpoints, to forestall any reprisal attack,” the statement added.
The command warned members of rival cult groups and other criminal elements against taking advantage of the incident to cause further violence.
The police said any person found engaging in cult-related violence, reprisal attacks, unlawful possession of firearms or other criminal activities will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
It also appealed to the residents of Ilesa to remain calm and law-abiding, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the Police.
