Reports indicate that there have been multiple fatalities in the recent clashes between rival fraternities in Ilesa, Osun State, with as many as six people reportedly killed.
According to security sources, the killings took place in different locations in Ilesa and Osu towns between late Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
The state police command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that casualties were recorded during clashes involving cult groups.
She was, however, silent on the casualty figure, saying, “For security reasons, we will not give a figure. A rival group may be claiming that it has suffered more casualty than the other group, which may escalate the crisis. We have beefed up security in the affected areas.”
When asked for confirmation of claims that innocent residents were hit during the clashes, Opalola said she was unaware of such claims but promised to investigate them.
Providing insight into the killings, a reliable security source, who pleaded anonymity, said three people were killed late on Tuesday in Ikoti, Ifofin, and Omiayo areas of Ilesa by armed men suspected to be members of the Ave cult group.
In retaliation, members of the Eiye Confraternity reportedly mobilised and stormed a farm in Osu, where three people were killed in a farm.
The source said, “Three people died on Tuesday night, but another three were killed in Osu on Wednesday evening. Those behind the last killing, retaliated the Tuesday’s killing.
“The clashes involved Eiye and Ave cult group. Ave was the first to attack members of the Eiye Confraternity. Eiye retaliated on Wednesday, as Ave were also killed in Osu. Tuesday’s killing took place in Ikoti, Omiayo and Ifofin area.”
