Four killed as masked gunmen invade Osun community in suspected fallout of royal dispute.
Ido Ayegunle mourns victims as police probe brutal attack linked to long-standing local tensions.
At least four persons were confirmed dead on Friday following a violent attack on Ido Ayegunle, a community near Esa Oke in Osun State, allegedly carried out by masked gunmen. The assailants not only took lives but also left a trail of destruction, setting buildings ablaze and damaging several properties belonging to residents.
The motive behind the deadly assault remains unclear, but tensions between Ido Ayegunle and the neighbouring Esa Oke community have been simmering since January 2025. The conflict stems from the appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle by the Osun State Government a decision that has not been universally accepted.
Speaking in an interview, the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Chief Ibironke Adebusuyi, accused individuals from Esa Oke of orchestrating the attack. According to him, the gunmen stormed the community around 10 a.m. on Thursday, riding motorcycles and wielding weapons.
“Our people were carrying on with their normal day when the hoodlums, numbering about 100, suddenly invaded the community. They were armed and had their faces covered. Although masked, we were able to identify some of them,” Adebusuyi recounted.
He revealed the disturbing details of the killings, saying the attackers committed brutal acts of violence. “They killed four of our people in cold blood. One of the victims was beheaded, and another had his wrist severed. After murdering them, they dumped the bodies in a well and covered it with large stones and slabs,” he said.
He confirmed that all four victims were natives of Ido Ayegunle and added that two individuals were still missing as of the time of reporting. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue of Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa.
Adebusuyi called on the Osun State Government to urgently intervene and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, warning that further delay could escalate the already volatile situation.
In response to the allegations, the Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, dismissed the claims, saying they were baseless and lacking in evidence. “I am not aware of any such attack. Those accusing my community should come forward with proof,” the monarch stated.
Interestingly, Oba Adediran was spotted at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday. Sources disclosed that he met with the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, in what is believed to be a high-level discussion regarding the ongoing conflict between the two communities.
Giving further updates, the Osun State Police Command confirmed the fatalities and the destruction in the community. The command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Ojelabi, said the violence was an extension of earlier clashes tied to a boundary dispute.
“It’s a continuation of the lingering conflict. When the police arrived at the scene yesterday, the attackers had already fled. The Commissioner of Police also visited the location today. Unfortunately, four people lost their lives, possibly due to delays in getting medical assistance,” Ojelabi stated.
She added that multiple properties, including motorcycles, generators, and public infrastructure like streetlights, were destroyed during the attack. While no arrests have been made yet, Ojelabi confirmed that some valuable items were recovered and may aid ongoing investigations.
“Our officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, and tactical units, are on ground. We’re committed to restoring peace and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice,” she concluded.
