Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a strong directive to security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest those responsible for a suspected cult-related killing in Osogbo, the state capital, while also dismissing allegations linking his administration to the incident. The governor's call for calm and decisive action came amid a fresh wave of violence that has thrown residents of the capital into fear, with reports of multiple deaths, injuries and widespread panic just weeks before the state's crucial governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The latest outbreak of violence began on Wednesday night when armed thugs invaded the Igbona and Owode-Igbona areas of Osogbo, attacking residents with machetes and other weapons. Traders and residents were thrown into confusion as others hurriedly shut their shops and deserted the areas. Unconfirmed reports disclosed that two men were killed while several others sustained injuries during the coordinated attack. Some members of the All Progressives Congress claimed that the two victims killed were members of their party, further alleging that thugs loyal to the ruling Accord Party carried out the attacks.
The violence escalated on Thursday morning when another deadly attack, suspected to be cult-related, erupted in the state capital, reportedly leaving one person dead and several vehicles damaged. The incident occurred at Idi Seke Motor Park, Osogbo, around 6:00 a.m., when members of a group identified as the "Egbatedo Boys" allegedly stormed the park and vandalised vehicles. Sources said the attack followed a violent confrontation between other armed groups the previous night. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the incident as panic continues to spread across the state.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Adeleke, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, condemned the killing and the subsequent rampage, describing the incidents as "dastardly and unacceptable". The governor stressed that security agencies must act swiftly to restore normalcy and ensure that those responsible for the violence are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. "We receive with concern the recent suspected cult killing at Osogbo, and we call on security agencies to enforce the law and go after the culprits. The killing and the subsequent rampage are condemnable," Adeleke said.
The governor further warned that unchecked cult-related violence could aggravate the security challenges already confronting the state in the aftermath of recent political disturbances. "The incidents of cult violence at Osogbo should be curtailed immediately so as not to complicate the delicate security situation after recent political violence in the state. I call on security agencies to investigate and apprehend those involved in this dastardly act," he added.
In a significant move to counter misinformation, Governor Adeleke also dissociated himself and the state government from the killing, describing reports suggesting official involvement as false and misleading. "Neither the governor nor his government were involved in these unfortunate incidents. We call on members of the public to ignore fake news and propaganda. The security agencies should investigate and bring those responsible to account," the statement read. The government also noted that the Accord Party is still mourning several of its members who were allegedly killed by political thugs in recent weeks, urging residents not to allow misinformation or unverified claims to heighten tensions within the state.
The governor's statement further appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that maintaining peace was a collective responsibility. Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the protection of lives and property, assuring residents that every lawful step would be taken to preserve public safety and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The latest development comes amid rising tensions ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election scheduled for August 15, 2026, with reports of killings in different parts of the state. The violence in Osogbo has heightened fears among residents and political observers, who worry that the escalating cult and political violence could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the upcoming election. The governor's call for immediate investigation and his denial of government involvement reflect the delicate political environment in the state, where allegations of political thuggery and violence have become increasingly common in the run-up to the polls.
As security agencies work to restore order, residents of Osogbo and the wider Osun State remain on edge, hoping that decisive action will be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further bloodshed. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the governor's directive will translate into tangible security improvements or whether the violence will continue to escalate as the election draws nearer.
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