Three people have been killed in a suspected cult clash in Ilesa, Osun State.
The incident occurred around 8pm on Monday in the Imo area of Ilesa, according to the state Police Command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the clash involved suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities.
He identified the victims as Idowu, Yinka and Eja, saying they were shot dead during the confrontation.
Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, immediately ordered the deployment of operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit to the area following the incident.
He said four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones were recovered from the scene, while preliminary investigations had commenced.
The police spokesperson said tactical teams had also intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations in Ilesa and adjoining areas to prevent further violence or reprisal attacks.
The command warned rival cult groups and other criminal elements against exploiting the incident to cause further unrest.
It also urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and report suspicious movements or activities to the police.
The police said investigations were ongoing and that further developments would be communicated to the public.
