Three people have been killed in a cult clash involving suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities in Ilesa, Osun State.
The incident occurred around 8pm on Monday in the Imo area of the town, throwing residents into fresh anxiety over renewed cult-related violence in the community.
The three victims were identified only as Idowu, Yinka and Eja, with the police saying their identities had yet to be properly established.
The Osun State Police Command said four expended cartridges and two Android mobile phones were recovered from the scene.
Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police overseeing security for the 2026 Osun governorship election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, directed operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit and other tactical teams to move into the area.
The teams were tasked with preventing further escalation, tracking down those responsible and restoring calm.
The command also ordered increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations across Ilesa and adjoining communities, particularly around areas identified as possible flashpoints.
Police warned members of the rival groups and other criminal elements against exploiting the incident to trigger reprisal attacks.
“Any person found engaging in cult-related violence, reprisal attacks, unlawful possession of firearms or other criminal activities will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” the command said.
Residents were also urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Ilesa, which has witnessed a number of deadly confrontations involving rival groups in recent years.
In March 2026, the police arrested five suspected cultists after a shooting in the Adeti area of Ilesa. The command said the incident followed a clash between rival cult groups and recovered an axe and criminal charms from the suspects.
In September 2025, two people, including a student and a motorcyclist, were killed in another suspected cult attack in the Ilesa area. The incident was linked to an earlier confrontation involving members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities.
The latest killings also come just days before the Osun governorship election, scheduled for August 15.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had moved the poll from August 8 to August 15 as part of an adjustment to the electoral timetable.
Although the police have described Monday’s incident as a cult-related clash, the command has not linked it to the election or any political party.
Security concerns have nevertheless remained high across the state as political activities intensify ahead of the poll.
For now, police said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify all those connected with the violence.
The command said further developments would be communicated to the public.
