The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that three people were killed in separate cult-related clashes involving suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities. The clashes occurred around the Imo area of Ilesa, Osun State.
Police Confirm Deaths and Time of Incident
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command stated that the clashes occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11. 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 statement read partly: “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.
Victims Identified and Investigation Underway
“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 command said four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones were recovered, adding that preliminary investigations have commenced into the occurrence.
Police Intensify Patrols and Warn Against Reprisals
“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 read.
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.
