The management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has shut down the institution following a violent clash between suspected cultists near the school gate.
The clash happened on Tuesday, April 8, and left one ex-student critically injured, while three others also suffered injuries, according to school authorities.
Confirming the incident, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Tope Abiola, said gunshots were heard around the school entrance, forcing staff and students to remain indoors for safety.
“We were inside the campus when we started hearing gunshots. From the findings, one person was critically injured,” Abiola said.
“The injured person is an ex-student of the polytechnic who finished his National Diploma about two years ago. One of the other three injured was hit by stray bullets.”
A graphic video shared online showed a man in a white shirt hitting another man on the head with a hammer, while two others watched. The video, reportedly taken during the clash, caused panic among students and residents.
Following the incident, police officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Osun State Police Command were deployed to the school area to restore peace.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said those injured were receiving treatment in the hospital. He did not confirm any death as of the time of the report.
To prevent further tension, the school management ordered an immediate mid-semester break and postponed the matriculation ceremony earlier planned for Thursday, April 10.
In an internal memo signed by the Registrar, Abiodun Oloyede, the break will last from Thursday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
“Given the pleas and appeals received from some students who have not paid their school fees or completed registration, Management has granted a one-week mid-semester break,” the memo stated.
“Consequently, the matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session, earlier scheduled for Thursday, April 10, has been postponed. A new date shall be announced in due course.”
The school urged all students to use the break to pay their fees and complete their registration, warning that no further extension would be given.
Police investigations into the cause of the cult clash are ongoing.
