FLASH: One Dead As Masquerade Festival Turns Bloody In Osun

A suspected cultist, identified simply as Kazeem, was reportedly shot dead on Sunday evening during a violent clash between rival cult groups escorting a masquerade in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The incident, which occurred around 7p.m. in the Oke-Ola area, threw residents into panic as gunshots rang out during the procession.

According to eyewitnesses, the clash broke out when members of the Eiye confraternity from Oke-Baale, led by one Tajudeen, followed a masquerade into a rival group’s territory.

A resident, Ismail Bakare, who witnessed the chaos, said that the situation quickly degenerated after members of both cult groups began throwing stones at one another.

“Suddenly, we heard several gunshots. People started running for their lives. When things calmed down, Kazeem was found lying in the pool of his own blood,” Bakare said.

The deceased, believed to be affiliated with one of the cult factions, reportedly died on the spot before help could reach him, while other participants in the fracas fled the scene.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Ojelabi, said operatives of the anti-cultism unit were swiftly deployed to the area to prevent further violence.

“The command received reports of a cult-related clash during a masquerade event at Oke-Ola. Our anti-cult team responded immediately. Upon sighting police officers, the armed hoodlums dispersed,” Ojelabi stated.

She added that the police have commenced an investigation and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the area, though palpable tension remains as residents fear possible reprisals.

The Osun State Police Command has assured citizens of their safety, urging them to remain calm and report any suspicious movements.