Panic spread through Ido Ayegunle, a small community near Esa Oke in Osun State, on Thursday after suspected gunmen attacked the area, killing four people and destroying several homes.
Residents said the attackers came on motorcycles around 10 a.m. and were heavily armed. Some wore masks, but according to the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Ibironke Adebusuyi, a few were recognised by locals.
“They came from the Esa Oke area. About 100 of them surrounded the village and began shooting. Four of our people were killed. One was beheaded, and another had his wrist cut off,” Adebusuyi told PUNCH.
He added that the attackers dumped the bodies of the victims in a well and covered them with stones. According to him, the bodies have been moved to Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa. He also noted that two people were still missing.
This violent attack is believed to be linked to a long-standing dispute between the people of Ido Ayegunle and Esa Oke, which started in January after the state government appointed Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.
Oba Adeyemi Adediran, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, denied the accusations against his community. “I know nothing about the incident. Let those accusing us bring proof,” he said.
Oba Adediran was seen at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Friday. He reportedly met with the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to discuss the ongoing conflict.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the violence was linked to a boundary dispute. He stated that four people were killed and several houses and properties were destroyed.
“It is a continuation of the earlier clash. When the police arrived at the scene, the attackers had already fled. The CP visited the area today. Four people died, probably because help came late. Some houses were burnt and properties like motorcycles, generators, and streetlights were damaged,” Ojelabi said.
He added that no arrests have been made yet, but police recovered some items that could help in their investigation. He assured the public that those behind the attack would be brought to justice and that police officers are already on the ground to keep the peace.
