Fear has taken over Oke Ola Community in Osogbo, Osun State, after a suspected cultist shot and killed a man named Kazeem during a masquerade festival on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
According to the PUNCH, the incident reportedly happened around 7pm when members of a cult group believed to be the Eiye Confraternity followed a masquerade into the area and clashed with a rival cult group.
A resident who spoke anonymously said Kazeem was shot in the head during the fight and died immediately.
“There was a masquerade celebration, and Tajudeen from Oke Baale, who is said to be a cult leader, came with his boys,” the resident said. “They met with another cult group here in Oke Ola, and during their fight, Kazeem was shot. He died on the spot.”
Another eyewitness, a woman who sells groceries near the scene, explained that several weapons were used in the clash and more people were injured.
“From where I stood, I saw everything,” she said. “Tajudeen and his boys followed a masquerade here and started fighting with a rival cult group. Kazeem was shot in the head. Others were injured. Everyone ran for safety.”
She added that the situation was brought under control after police from the Anti-Cultism Unit arrived at the scene following a distress call.
“Policemen arrived quickly and those cultists ran away,” she continued. “The masquerade didn’t even have police escorts. It was a police van that carried Kazeem’s body away. Since then, police officers have been stationed around here. But people are still afraid.”
When contacted on Monday, the Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said a manhunt had begun to find those responsible for the killing.
He said, “The incident happened on Sunday, and we have launched a manhunt for those involved. The suspects used the opportunity of the masquerade festival to commit this crime. One person was killed, and though no arrests have been made yet, we are on their trail.”
He also warned that the police will not tolerate any act of violence or lawlessness in the state.
