Two suspected cultists killed in Osogbo shooting
By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
OSOGBO — Two suspected members of a cult group were reportedly killed during a suspected cult clash in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Friday evening.
The incident occurred at a lounge around Owoeba, in the Owode-Ilesa Garage area of the city, causing panic among residents and forcing some business owners to shut their shops.
Sources said a rival group stormed the lounge where one Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as Small Rugged, and other persons were relaxing and opened fire.
Taoreed was said to have been linked to the Eiye cult group, although the claim could not be independently verified.
Another person, identified only as OSHA, was also reportedly killed, while four others sustained gunshot injuries.
The shooting triggered panic along the Ilesa Garage-Ayepe axis as gunmen allegedly fired sporadically while fleeing the scene.
Some residents and traders reportedly ran for safety, while business owners hurriedly closed their shops to avoid being caught in the violence.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command was aware of the shooting, which he described as a suspected cult clash.
Ojelabi said two persons were killed at the scene, identifying one of them as Small Rugged, while the identity of the second victim had yet to be established.
According to him, four other persons sustained gunshot injuries and were taken by the police to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“The command is aware of a shooting incident suspected to be cult clash around Owoeba area, Osogbo.
“Two persons died at the spot, one identified as Small Rugged, while the other’s name is yet unknown.
“Four other people sustained gunshot injuries and have been rushed by the police to a nearby hospital for treatment,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, had directed tactical teams to apprehend those responsible for the shooting.
Meanwhile, claims linking Taoreed to alleged thuggery and political violence during the 2026 Osun State governorship electioneering could not be independently verified.
The police had not announced any arrest in connection with the incident as of the time of filing this report.