Four individuals lost their lives on Friday following a violent attack on Ido Ayegunle, a settlement near Esa Oke in Osun State, by unidentified gunmen.
According to local reports, the attackers not only killed residents but also set fire to several buildings and damaged properties throughout the community. The motive behind the assault remains unclear.
Chief Ibironke Adebusuyi, the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, alleged during an interview that the perpetrators may have come from the neighboring Esa Oke. Tensions have been high between the two communities since January, following the Osun State Government’s appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the traditional ruler of Ido Ayegunle, a decision that sparked controversy.
Describing the attack, Chief Adebusuyi said the assailants, who had their faces covered, stormed the area on motorcycles around 10 a.m. on Thursday. He estimated the group to be about 100 in number and claimed that despite their masks, some of the attackers were identifiable.
“They arrived suddenly and began shooting. Four of our people were brutally murdered — one was decapitated, another had his wrist severed. Their bodies were dumped in a well, which was later covered with heavy stones and concrete slabs,” Adebusuyi recounted. He also mentioned that two individuals remain unaccounted for.
The remains of the victims have been deposited at the Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa. Chief Adebusuyi called on the state government to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
In response, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, denied any involvement from his community and urged those making accusations to present concrete evidence.
Although Oba Adediran claimed no knowledge of the incident, he was reportedly seen at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday. Sources indicated that he met with the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to discuss the ongoing conflict between the two communities.
Speaking on the incident, the Osun State Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the deaths and attributed the violence to a lingering land boundary dispute. He noted that the police responded swiftly but the attackers had fled by the time officers arrived.
“Our personnel responded quickly, but unfortunately, four people had already died — possibly due to delays in receiving medical attention. Several buildings were set ablaze, and items like motorcycles, generators, and public streetlights were destroyed,” Ojelabi stated.
No arrests have been made yet, but the police have recovered materials that may aid in the investigation. Ojelabi assured that law enforcement is actively working to track down those responsible, with tactical teams, the Divisional Police Officer, and the Area Commander all deployed to the area.
