ONE DEAD, FOUR INJURED IN CULT CLASH AT OSUN POLYTECHNIC

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A violent confrontation between rival cult groups outside the gate of Osun State Polytechnic in Iree has resulted in one person feared dead and four others injured, according to witnesses.

The incident, which took place on Tuesday, is said to have involved suspected members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities, who allegedly exchanged gunfire during the clash.

A disturbing video shared by Facebook user Lamina Omotoyosi showed a man in a white shirt repeatedly hitting another man on the head with a hammer, while two others stood nearby watching.

“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.

The Polytechnic’s dean of student affairs, Dr. Tope Abiola, acknowledged that there had been a disturbance off campus but said the victim was no longer enrolled.

“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 said that a stray gunshot had hit another wounded person, but he was unable to verify whether any people had died as a result of the incident.

Abiodun Ojelabi, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, also offered commentary on the incident.

Ojelabi revealed that the injured were being treated, but he would not confirm if anyone had died.

“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.

Students and local people were alarmed by the altercation, and many of them ran away as gunfire erupted.

As of the time of this report, no arrests had been reported, and it is still unknown who was engaged in the confrontation.