Gunmen kill one and injure three in Osun community

The Osun State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday that a 19-year-old named Timileyin Oni was killed in Ijebu-Jesa by unknown individuals.

The police also reported that three other people were injured and taken to the hospital after the attack that led to Oni’s death.

Abiodun Ojelabi, the state Police Public Relations Officer, spoke with PUNCH Metro about the situation. He said early investigations indicated that the attack was linked to cult activities.

"The incident happened around 11 pm on Monday. We got a report of gunfire at the T&K Junction in Ijebu-Jesa, and the police quickly went to the scene.

“When we arrived, we found the lifeless body of 19-year-old Timileyin Oni. The police took him to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

“We noticed an injury on his head, believed to be from a gunshot. His body was taken to the mortuary, and we informed his family,” he stated.

Ojelabi also mentioned that Oni’s father reported at the police station that his son was attacked while returning from church.

He added, "About three others were injured. We are still looking into this matter. I don’t want to comment on what is being said on social media by political parties.

“Yesterday, the police issued a warning against cultists celebrating 7/7, and all signs point to this being related to cult activities. As of now, no arrests have been made, but we have sent the anti-cultism unit to the area."

In the meantime, the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have been blaming each other for the attack.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, a spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, took to social media to announce Oni's death and accused the APC of being responsible.

"How many people will be killed because of politics and power?" Olajengbesi wrote.

"This is my hometown tonight. Armed thugs came into Ijebu-Jesa and started shooting everywhere. An innocent young man has died, four others are injured, and the whole town is in fear. This is what Osun APC calls politics.

"Anyone responsible for the loss of innocent lives should know that karma is real. You do not take a human life for political gain. This is shameful and disgraceful.

"This is a stain on our democracy and a shame for Nigeria. Shame on those who think they can gain power through violence against innocent people. This page does not support violence," he said.

In response, Olubunmi Obeisun, the Oriade Local Government Chairman, dismissed Olajengbesi’s accusations in a statement from his media aide, Olayinka Awoyemi.

He said, "One of the survivors, Oginni Olamide Oluwole, explained how the incident happened. He is from Ere-Ijesa but lives in Ijebu-Ijesa. He said he and others were on their way to church when they stopped to buy sachet water. Suddenly, they saw two men on motorcycles, dressed like bouncers, open fire on them.

“Olamide said they quickly ran into a shop to escape, but one of the gunmen followed them inside and kept shooting. His brother Timileyin died in the attack, and he got shot in the hand."

Obeisun stressed that the attack had nothing to do with the APC. He said Olamide confirmed he was a loyal APC member and insisted that the attackers were not from the party.

PUNCH Metro reports that the ruling Accord Party and the opposition APC often blame each other when violence occurs in the state.