A violent clash between rival cult groups near the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has resulted in the death of one person and left four others injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday and caused widespread panic among students and residents in the surrounding area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation involved suspected members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities. The two groups reportedly exchanged gunfire close to the institution’s main entrance, creating chaos and prompting many students and locals to flee for safety.
A video circulated on social media revealed the brutal nature of the altercation, showing a man being repeatedly struck on the head with a hammer. The victim was later identified as a former student of Osun Poly who had completed his National Diploma program two years earlier. Witnesses said he was initially rushed to a private hospital in Iree but was referred to another medical facility for further treatment. Unfortunately, he died while being transported to a hospital in Osogbo.
Dr. Tope Abiola, the Dean of Student Affairs at Osun State Polytechnic, confirmed that the incident took place off-campus. He further stated that the deceased was no longer a student at the institution, having graduated from the National Diploma program. Another individual, who was reportedly caught in the crossfire, sustained injuries after being struck by a stray bullet.
The Osun State Police Command acknowledged the confrontation and confirmed that several people were injured. However, the police noted that no deaths had been officially recorded at the time of their statement. Authorities also revealed that no arrests had been made in connection with the incident, and the identities of those responsible for the attack have not yet been determined.
The violent outbreak has raised serious concerns about the ongoing menace of cult-related violence in the region. Local residents and students were reportedly traumatized by the incident, which occurred in broad daylight and near a major academic institution. The sound of gunshots and the visible presence of injured individuals created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, prompting many to vacate the area immediately.
This latest clash underscores the growing challenge of cultism in and around Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite efforts by school authorities and law enforcement agencies to curb cult activities, rival confraternities continue to engage in violent confrontations that often result in injury or death. The off-campus location of the clash highlights the difficulty of monitoring student-related activities outside school premises, where security presence is typically limited.
Efforts to reach further clarification from the police and the polytechnic’s management are ongoing. Meanwhile, there is increased security presence in and around the polytechnic to prevent any further escalation of violence. Authorities are also calling on members of the public to provide any information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
The Osun State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, local leaders and community groups are urging state officials and law enforcement to take urgent steps to address cultism and improve security in school communities.
As investigations continue, the atmosphere around Osun State Polytechnic remains tense. Students have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to school authorities or security operatives. Parents and guardians have also expressed concern for the safety of their children attending the institution.
This tragic event adds to the growing number of cult-related violence cases in Nigeria’s higher institutions, where rival groups continue to threaten academic stability and public safety. The police are expected to provide updates as they pursue leads in the ongoing investigation.
