Two killed, several injured in Osogbo shooting

Two persons lost their lives while several others sustained gunshot injuries following a violent attack on a gathering in the Owode-Igbona area of Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday night.

The incident occurred at a meeting attended by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of activities marking the commencement of the party’s governorship campaign for the August 15 election.

Although some participants alleged that they were deliberately attacked, other accounts suggested the violence may have stemmed from a clash between rival cult groups. Security agencies have yet to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Among those confirmed dead were Kazeem Akande, 70, and another victim simply identified as Lekan. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to different hospitals for treatment. The injured included Kehinde Salaudeen, Olalekan Mutiu, and a 13-year-old girl, Rodiyat Ariyo, among others.

Senior members of the APC, including the party’s governorship campaign officials, later visited the scene of the incident as well as the hospitals where the injured victims were receiving treatment.

One of the survivors, Mr. Ogundele Awosola, said the attackers attempted to seize him before he managed to escape amid the confusion.

“I was at the meeting when some armed men arrived. They tried to force me into their vehicle, but I resisted and escaped. Shortly afterwards, gunshots rang out and many people were hit,” he said.

A former local government chairman, Hon. Akinloye Isiaka, who said he had attended the meeting earlier, disclosed that he left the venue shortly before the shooting began.

“I had just departed when I received calls informing me that gunmen had attacked the gathering. It is a painful development, and I hope those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.

Leaders of the APC condemned the attack and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest those responsible, and ensure that justice is served. They also appealed to party members to remain peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke called for calm, describing the incident as a suspected cult-related clash while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those behind the killings.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor condemned the violence and warned against actions capable of worsening the security situation in the state.

“We received with concern reports of the suspected cult killing in Osogbo and call on security agencies to enforce the law by apprehending those responsible. The killing and the subsequent violence are condemnable,” the statement read.

“The incidents of cult violence in Osogbo must be curtailed immediately to avoid worsening the already delicate security situation.”

The Osun State Police Command also confirmed the incident.

Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said investigations had commenced, adding that two suspects had been arrested in connection with a separate incident at Egbatedo, while arms and ammunition were recovered at the Owode-Igbona scene.

“Regarding the incident at Egbatedo, one person was killed, several others sustained injuries, and two suspects have been arrested. Investigation is ongoing,” he said.

“On the Owode-Igbona incident, no arrest has been made yet, but arms and ammunition were recovered at the scene. We are still investigating and cannot, for now, confirm the casualty figure.”

The police appealed to residents to remain calm, provide useful information that could aid the investigation, and refrain from spreading unverified claims as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.