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Police say three shot dead in Ilesa clash between suspected cult groups

The Osun State Police Command said three people were shot dead in the Imo area of Ilesa at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday, 10 August 2026, that tactical operatives have been deployed, and that it is still working to establish the circumstances.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 11, 2026, 4:53 a.m. ETWritten Aug 17, 2026, 8:27 p.m. ET
people were shot dead in the Imo area of , , at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday, 10 August 2026, the Police Command said in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday. The command described the incident as "a reported cult-related clash between suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities in the Imo area of , , at about 8:00 p.m." The statement said the people killed were "identified as Idowu, Yinka and Eja, all yet to be properly identified." No further identifying details have been released. The circumstances have not been established. "The Command is also working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all persons connected with the clash," Ojelabi said. No suspect has been identified. The Police Command said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Governorship Election directed the deployment of Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) operatives to the Imo area of . It said VCRU operatives and other tactical teams were directed to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations within and adjoining areas, particularly around identified flashpoints. The Police Command and the VCRU are the agencies responding. Police appealed to residents of to remain calm and law-abiding, to avoid spreading unverified information, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the Police. The matter remains developing.

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  1. Version 118 Aug 2026, 00:27current

    First published.

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