No fewer than 10 persons have lost their lives in a renewed clash between rival cult groups at Brewery, Ifofin, Idasa, and Irojo areas of Ilesa, Osun State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Busuyi Agunbiade, a resident of the area, said the clash started from Irojo, around 7p.m. on Monday before it spread to other communities where the cultists had strongholds.
“Some guys on motorcycle suddenly started shooting around Irojo inflicting injury on residents in the area, who scamper for safety.
“Then, in what looks like a revenge attack, another set confronted them, and both groups engaged in a shootout.
“Other cultists from other hideouts joined in the fracas thereby spreading the crisis to other parts of the town.
”About 10 people were killed in different areas of the town, majorly cult members,” he said.
Agunbiade said that shop owners quickly locked their shops, while residents also ran for safety, thereby deserting the major streets in the town.
NAN recalled that a man was killed by some people suspected to be cultists at Atakumosa East Local Government on Feb. 19 last during the All Progressives Congress , APC primary election in the state.
There have been pockets of cult attacks in the ancient town for some time now, and the situation has been a major source of concern for the residents.
The Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, described the recent killings as disturbing and unacceptable and called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.
He appealed to traditional rulers, chiefs, and politicians to support law enforcement agencies’ efforts at restoring peace in the land.
Aromolaran also warned that behaviours that were inimical to the rich culture of his domain would not be condoned.
The state Police Spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, who confirmed the killings, however, said only five persons were killed in the cult war.