The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 19-year-old, Timileyin Oni, following a late-night shooting in Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Monday at T&K Junction, also left three other persons injured.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers responded immediately after receiving a distress call and found Oni lying lifeless at the scene.
According to him, the victim was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead before his body was deposited at the mortuary.
“We observed what appeared to be a gunshot wound on his head. His family has been informed, and investigations have commenced,” Ojelabi said.
He disclosed that the victim’s father told investigators that his son was attacked while returning from church.
The police spokesperson added that initial findings indicate the attack may be linked to cult activities, particularly following the command’s earlier warning against cult-related celebrations associated with July 7.
“Three other victims sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Investigation is ongoing, and no suspect has been arrested so far. Our anti-cultism unit has been deployed to the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a political blame game between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
The spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged in a social media post that armed political thugs were responsible for the attack, accusing the APC of sponsoring the violence.
Reacting to the allegation, the Chairman of Oriade Local Government, Olubunmi Obeisun, dismissed the claims, insisting there was no evidence linking the attack to the APC.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Olayinka Awoyemi, Obeisun cited the account of one of the survivors, Oginni Olamide Oluwole, who said he and others were heading to church when two armed men riding motorcycles allegedly opened fire on them after they stopped to buy sachet water.
According to Olamide, they fled into a nearby shop for safety, but one of the attackers followed them inside and continued shooting, killing his younger brother, Timileyin, while he sustained a gunshot wound to his hand.
Obeisun further stated that the survivor identified himself as an APC member and maintained that the assailants were not affiliated with the party.
Police say investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
