Dark Monday evening in Osun: Cult clash leads to three deaths in Ilesa

A bloody clash between two cult groups, the Aiye and the Eiye confraternities, in the Imo area of Ilesa, Osun State at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday has led to three deaths.

The Osun State Police Command which confirmed the incident informed the public that there was a reported cult-related clash between suspected members of the two cult groups.

The three dead persons were simply identified as Idowu, Yinka and Eja.

Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, immediately directed the deployment of operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the area to prevent further escalation, apprehend those responsible and restore calm.

Four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones were recovered from the scene, while preliminary investigations have commenced.

Police in a release on Monday evening said they were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all persons connected with the clash.

The CP Election has directed the VCRU operatives and other tactical teams to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations within Ilesa and adjoining areas, particularly around identified flashpoints, to forestall any reprisal attack.

The Command therefore warned members of rival cult groups and other criminal elements against taking advantage of the incident to cause further violence.

“Any person found engaging in cult-related violence, reprisal attacks, unlawful possession of firearms or other criminal activities will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

“The Command appeals to residents of Ilesa to remain calm and law-abiding, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police.

“The investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public,” the release said.