A raging cult clash in Owo, Ondo State, has led to the loss of four lives, and forced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to declare a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
Sparks of the raging violence allegedly broke out after Fisayo Oladipo, a former Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was killed by gunmen, believed to be cultists in Owo.
The ugly event was said to have occurred around 2am on Monday when rival cult gunmen stormed his home in Owo and killed him.
Counter-attacks by his loyalists occasioned sporadic gunshots and led to the death of at least three other persons.
The 52-year-old Fisayo, who was also a local government chairmanship aspirant during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was a well-known figure in the community.
Several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Other casualties include a mother and her child who were shot on the roadside by a stray bullet during the reprisal attack.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan said all residents are required to remain indoors during the curfew and visitors to keep away.
The government’s statement said only those on essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement, will be exempted from the curfew.
The Governor has also asked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure safety of lives and property, arrest perpetrators of the violence and restore peace to the community.
In response to the violence, security agencies have deployed personnel to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident, with its commander stating, “I can only confirm that we have sent our men down to also assist other security agencies deployed to calm the atmosphere. Our men are on the ground with heavy deployment. I will advise we wait for officials’ reactions.”
Already, the entire ancient town is gripped by fear as the clash, which started at a section of the town is spreading.
Eyewitnesses reveal that the violence is also traced to a long time feud which dates back to 15 years ago, during which several residents lost their lives in gang clashes.
The source explained that: “The man killed on Monday knew his attacker, and that may have led to his death.
“Fifteen years ago, the father’s house of the alleged attacker was set ablaze by local youths. In a retaliatory act, the father’s house of the victim was torched on Monday, 6 January.”
Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Police Command spokesman, Funmilayo Ibklam, stated that: “We can’t confirm if an APC chieftain is affected, but four people have been confirmed dead.
“Normalcy has returned through the intervention of the Police, efforts are on to arrest perpetrators of the act.”
