A graduate of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, identified as Taoreed, has been confirmed dead after being hit by a stray bullet during a cult clash in the community.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, September 23, a day after cult violence first erupted near the school premises. Reports revealed that the unrest initially broke out on Monday, September 22, when final-year students were holding their signing-out celebrations. Gunshots were fired during the gathering, and one student was killed by suspected cult members.
A student, who spoke anonymously, said:
“We were signing out after our exams when gunshots suddenly rang out outside the school. Everyone ran for safety, and we later discovered a student had been killed. It was a frightening experience.”
A video obtained by reporters also showed students fleeing in panic near the school gate. According to the student, such violent incidents had previously disrupted celebrations in the institution.
A police source explained that Taoreed’s death happened the following day in what appeared to be a reprisal attack. After collecting his NYSC call-up letter, Taoreed was waiting by the roadside along the Ilesa–Esa-Oke Road to board a bus home when gunmen began shooting at rivals. Sadly, a stray bullet struck him.
The source added that Taoreed attempted to escape but later collapsed in a nearby bush, where his lifeless body was found. His call-up letter was recovered from the bag he carried.
Confirming the development, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, described the violence as a cult clash, stating that two students were killed—one at the scene and another later in the hospital. He assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
Cult-related clashes have remained a recurring problem in communities with higher institutions, often resulting from supremacy battles, retaliations, or recruitment drives. In June, a violent fight between suspected members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities near Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, reportedly left one person dead and four others injured.
