The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of three persons following a suspected cult clash in Ilesa, Osun State.
The victims were reportedly shot dead during a clash between suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in charge of election and security, Samuel Erale.
Ojelabi said the identities of the three victims had yet to be established. He added that four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones were recovered from the scene.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police directed operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations in Ilesa and adjoining areas.
The police said the measures were particularly targeted at identified flashpoints to prevent possible reprisal attacks. The command warned members of rival cult groups and other criminal elements against exploiting the incident to perpetrate further violence.
It said anyone found engaging in cult-related violence or other criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also urged residents of Ilesa to remain calm and law-abiding, refrain from spreading unverified information, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the authorities.
