Tragedy struck the Ido Ayegunle community near Esa Oke in Osun State on Thursday when suspected gunmen launched a violent attack, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and the destruction of properties, including residential buildings, motorcycles, generators, and streetlights.
According to community sources, the assailants—numbering over 100—invaded Ido Ayegunle around 10:00 a.m., arriving on motorcycles. The attackers reportedly covered their faces and began shooting indiscriminately, instilling panic among residents.
Speaking to journalists, the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Chief Ibironke Adebusuyi, alleged that the perpetrators came from Esa Oke, a neighbouring town with which Ido Ayegunle has had a long-standing dispute.
He linked the latest attack to tensions arising from the appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo (traditional ruler) of Ido Ayegunle by the Osun State Government in January 2025.
“Our people were going about their normal activities when the hoodlums invaded,” Adebusuyi recounted. “They killed four of our sons brutally—one was beheaded, and another’s wrist was severed. After the killings, they dumped the bodies in a well and covered it with slabs and stones. Two other residents are still missing.”
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Wesley Guild Hospital mortuary in Ilesa.
Chief Adebusuyi called on the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Reacting to the allegations, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, denied any involvement of his community in the attack, stating that the accusers should provide evidence to back their claims. “I know nothing about the incident,” the monarch said in a brief interview.
However, Oba Adediran was reportedly seen at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, where he met with the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for discussions believed to be connected to the escalating crisis.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Ojelabi, stated that the violence stemmed from an unresolved boundary dispute between the two communities.
“It is a continuation of a previous clash. The violence resumed yesterday, and our men responded swiftly. Unfortunately, four individuals died—likely due to delays in getting them to the hospital. Several houses were burnt, and properties destroyed,” Ojelabi said.
She added that no arrests have been made so far, but some useful items were recovered from the scene, which may assist in ongoing investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police visited the scene today. The DPO, Area Commander, and tactical teams are on ground to maintain peace. We are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law,” she assured.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as efforts continue to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.