A violent clash between rival cult groups outside the gate of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has left one person feared dead and four others injured, according to eyewitness accounts.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly involved suspected members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities, both of whom allegedly exchanged gunfire during the confrontation.
A graphic video shared by a Facebook user, Lamina Omotoyosi, captured a man in a white shirt striking another man repeatedly on the head with a hammer, while two others watched nearby.
“The clash happened very close to the Polytechnic gate. The man was hit on the head several times with a hammer. Four others were also injured during the fight,” said one witness who spoke anonymously.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the victim, described as a male adult, was rushed to a private hospital in Iree but was turned away and he reportedly died en route to another medical facility in Osogbo.
“He was still alive when they left the first hospital. But he stopped breathing before they reached Osogbo. His colleagues took his body away after confirming he was dead,” the source said.
Another source disclosed that prior to the incident, security personnel on campus had reportedly held a meeting with suspected cult members in anticipation of potential unrest.
“The security team met with those known to be involved in cult activities. But it seems the clash still broke out despite the efforts,” the source added.
Dr Tope Abiola, the Dean of Student Affairs at the Polytechnic, confirmed that a disturbance occurred outside the campus but stated that the victim was no longer a student.
“We were on campus when we heard gunshots. From our findings, one person was critically injured. He is a former student who completed his National Diploma here about two years ago,” he said.
Abiola also stated that another injured individual was struck by a stray bullet, but he could not confirm any fatalities resulting from the incident.
The Osun State Police Command through the spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi also commented on the incident.
Ojelabi disclosed that those injured were receiving treatment but declined to confirm any deaths.
“Our officers are aware of the incident. We have reports of injuries, and the victims are being treated. I do not have information confirming any loss of life,” he stated.
The confrontation caused panic among students and residents in the area, many of whom fled the vicinity as gunshots were fired.
There have been no confirmed arrests as of the time of this report and the identities of those involved in the altercation remain unconfirmed.
