Cult Clash in Oyo: Man Hacked to Death, Friend Injured in Brutal Attack
Suspected cultists have brutally murdered a 35-year-old man identified as Idris, also known as Satio, in Oyo State, leaving his friend Sodiq injured in a harrowing escape. The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 17, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a police investigation into the deadly clash.
Discovery of the Victim
The lifeless body of Idris was discovered dumped at the center of a road along a bush path leading to Ologuneru Community in the Railway area, near Apete-Akufo Road. According to reports, the victim had sustained severe machete cuts to his head, indicating a violent and deliberate attack. His body was found at a considerable distance from the initial assault location, suggesting the perpetrators moved him to conceal the crime.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the Morubo area of Apete. Idris and his friend Sodiq were returning from a baby naming ceremony when they were ambushed by three individuals. The assailants specifically targeted Idris, calling him by his alias, Satio, and indicating they had been looking for him. As Sodiq attempted to wait nearby, he overheard one of the attackers order not to let him leave, prompting a frantic struggle for survival.
Sodiq recounted how he was tripped, fell to the ground, and was struck on the neck with a sharp weapon, possibly a machete or knife. Despite his injuries, he managed to push one attacker against a fence, scale it, and flee into nearby quarters. A resident provided temporary shelter, but Sodiq, bleeding heavily and unfamiliar with the area, faced further challenges in seeking medical help.
Escape and Aftermath
After hiding, Sodiq flagged down a motorcyclist who initially refused due to his blood-soaked appearance. A second rider agreed to help, reassuring Sodiq and transporting him to safety. He was eventually taken to his mother, who rushed him to a hospital where his wounds were stitched. During the ordeal, Sodiq lost one of his phones, a Samsung S10, which contained contact details for Idris's family, leaving him unable to inform them and anxious about his friend's fate.
It was only later that Sodiq learned Idris had been killed. He reported the incident to the Apete police station, where the Divisional Police Officer initiated inquiries leading to the discovery of Idris's body. The police confirmed the attack was linked to cult activities, with Idris allegedly a member of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye Confraternity, and targeted by rivals from the Eiye Confraternity.
Victim's Background and Family Response
Idris was a Mechanical Engineering graduate from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and was described by Sodiq as a devout Muslim who took his religious duties seriously. He was married with a son, and his family, upon learning of his death, requested his corpse for immediate Islamic burial rites, expressing no interest in further police investigation. Sodiq emphasized that Idris was not a troublesome person, leaving the motive for the murder unclear beyond the suspected cult rivalry.
Police Investigation
The Police Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident, stating that investigation revealed the deceased was a known cultist and the murder resulted from a cult clash. He assured that ongoing efforts are underway to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This case highlights the persistent issue of cult-related violence in the region, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures.
