A violent clash between two rival cult groups, the Aiye and Eiye confraternities, erupted in the Imo area of Ilesa, Osun State, around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the confrontation involved suspected members of the two cult groups. The deceased have been identified as Idowu, Yinka, and Eja.
Following reports of the violence, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, immediately deployed operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the scene to prevent further escalation, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore order.
At the scene, police recovered four spent cartridges and two Android mobile phones. Preliminary investigations are underway.
In a statement released Monday evening, police said efforts are ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the clash and identify all individuals involved.
The Commissioner of Police has instructed the VCRU and other tactical teams to increase patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations in Ilesa and neighboring areas, especially at known hotspots, to prevent potential reprisal attacks.
The Command also warned rival cult groups and other criminal elements against exploiting the situation to incite further violence, affirming that anyone found participating in cult-related violence, retaliatory attacks, illegal firearms possession, or other criminal acts will be arrested and prosecuted.
Residents of Ilesa are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, refrain from spreading unverified information, and promptly report any suspicious activity to the police. The investigation remains ongoing, with further updates to be provided as developments emerge.
