By Ademola Ade
Following a fresh wave of cult-related killings in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, has deployed tactical teams to the metropolis to halt the violence and restore normalcy.
The police action followed a series of shootings in different parts of Osogbo that have left at least two persons dead and another injured within three days.
The Commissioner, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday, described the killings as “disturbing and unacceptable.”
According to the statement, two suspected cultists, Adebayo Taoreed, also known as “Small Rugged,” and Oluwaseyi Daniel, aka “OSHA,” were shot dead during a cult clash around the Owo-Eba area of Osogbo on October 2, 2026.
Several other persons were also reportedly injured in the clash.
The statement said another suspected cultist, Rasak Wahab, aka “Ojo Iku,” was shot when suspected cultists invaded the Arowomole area of Osogbo on October 4.
“He was promptly evacuated to a hospital and is currently responding to treatment,” the statement said.
In response to the escalating violence, the CP directed all tactical teams of the command to relocate to the Oke-Baale area and remain there until normalcy is fully restored.
The teams were also ordered to carry out intelligence-led raids and operations targeting suspected cult members, criminal hideouts and other locations allegedly linked to criminal activities.
The police said the operations would be conducted professionally and within the ambit of the law, while cases arising from the incidents had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for discreet investigation.
The Commissioner further directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols, gather actionable intelligence and sustain security presence at identified flashpoints across the metropolis.
Zungura warned cultists and their sponsors that the state would not provide a safe haven for those involved in shootings and killings.
He, however, assured residents that the police command was in full control of the security situation and urged them to continue their lawful activities without fear.
