A violent clash believed to involve rival cult groups has left one person feared dead and four others injured near the main gate of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, on Tuesday.
According to multiple sources within the institution who requested anonymity for security reasons, the incident was a result of a confrontation between members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities. The clash, which reportedly began suddenly, sparked panic among students and residents in the area.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the deceased, a yet-to-be-identified male believed to be a former student of the institution, was repeatedly struck on the head with a hammer by an assailant clad in a white shirt.
A video shared on social media by one Lamina Omotoyosi purportedly captured the brutal attack, with the victim seen lying motionless while the assailant struck him, as two others watched nearby.
It was gathered that after the attackers fled the scene, the victim was rushed to a private hospital in Iree but was denied treatment. He reportedly died while being transported to another hospital in Osogbo. His colleagues were said to have taken away his body upon confirming he was no longer breathing.
“In the buildup to the clash, we heard rumours that a fight might break out, and security operatives even convened a meeting with some known individuals on campus. No one can say exactly what triggered the violence,” said an eyewitness.
“There was also an exchange of gunfire during the fight. The victim who died was a former student. Four others, likely students, sustained injuries.”
Reacting to the incident, the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Tope Abiola, confirmed there had been a disturbance outside the institution's premises. “We were on campus when we heard gunshots from outside.
"From what we gathered, one person was critically injured. He was an ex-student who completed his National Diploma here about two years ago. One of the injured victims was hit by stray bullets,” Dr. Abiola stated.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed the incident, stating that those injured were currently receiving medical treatment. However, he said the command had not received any official confirmation of a fatality at the time of filing this report.
Investigations into the cause of the clash and those responsible are said to be ongoing, as authorities work to restore calm in the area.
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