Suspected cult clash claims two lives, leaves four injured in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that two persons were killed while four others sustained gunshot injuries in a suspected cult clash in the state on Friday.

The command said one of the deceased was identified as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, while the identity of the second victim remained unknown.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said, “The command is aware of a shooting incident suspected to be a cult clash. Two persons died at the spot, one identified as ‘Small Rugged’, while the other remains unidentified as at the time of filing this report.

“Four persons sustained gunshot injuries and have been rushed by the police to a nearby hospital for treatment”.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, had directed tactical teams to move out and apprehend those behind the incident.

An eyewitness, however, said three persons were killed during the suspected cult clash in the Owode-Ilesa area of Osogbo. The eyewitness identified two of the victims as “Small Rugged” and another man simply known as “Osha”, while the third victim was yet to be identified.

“Small Rugged” was a wanted suspect declared by the Osun State Police Command in connection with political violence, loss of lives and destruction of property in the state.

He was also allegedly involved in a shooting and murder incident which occurred after a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at his palace.