Gunmen kill four, destory properties in Osun community

 

At least four people have been confirmed dead following a violent attack on Ido Ayegunle, a community near Esa Oke in Osun State, by suspected gunmen on Thursday.

According to eyewitnesses and local leaders, the attackers invaded the settlement around 10 a.m., setting fire to homes, destroying property, and unleashing violence that left multiple casualties. The victims’ bodies were later recovered and deposited at the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa.

Although the identities of the perpetrators remain unclear, the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Ibironke Adebusuyi, alleged that the assailants came from Esa Oke, citing an ongoing dispute between both communities.

“Our people were going about their normal activities when about 100 masked men arrived on motorcycles, armed and aggressive. They killed four people—one was beheaded, another had his wrist severed—and dumped their bodies in a well, covering them with stones and slabs,” Adebusuyi told Prime9jaOnline. “We are still searching for two missing persons.”

Tensions between Esa Oke and Ido Ayegunle have escalated since January, following the Osun State Government’s appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle—a decision reportedly opposed by Esa Oke residents.

However, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, denied the allegations, stating, “I know nothing about the incident. Those making such claims must provide evidence.”

Oba Adediran was later seen at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, where sources confirmed he met with Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan to discuss the situation.

Police spokesperson SP Yemisi Ojelabi confirmed the deaths and attributed the renewed violence to a long-standing boundary dispute. She said police operatives were deployed promptly after the incident but the attackers had fled before their arrival.

“It’s an extension of an earlier conflict. Unfortunately, four people lost their lives, possibly due to delayed medical attention,” Ojelabi said. “Several houses were torched, and properties including motorcycles, generators, and streetlights were vandalized.”

While no arrests have been made yet, Ojelabi assured that the command has recovered items from the scene that may assist in the ongoing investigation. A reinforced police presence, including the Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, and tactical teams, remains in the area to maintain order.

She added, “We are committed to restoring peace and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”