Son of former deputy national chairman NURTW in Osun killed in cult clash

RESIDENTS of Osogbo, capital of Osun were gripped by tension on Tuesday and Wednesday following vicious hostilities between two rival cult groups, which claimed the life of a son to the former deputy national chairman of the National Union of Roads and Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tomori Olugbodi.

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Investigation by the Nigerian Tribune indicated that the son of the ex-NURTW boss, Ahmed Olugbodi, who was in his early 20s, was allegedly gunned down last Sunday near a neighborhood football pitch at BCGA area in Osogbo by a member of a warring cult group.

The killing, which created tension in Osogbo, spiraling into reprisal attacks till Wednesday evening was said to have occurred about two months after the victim was allegedly released from prison custody over alleged murder case.

He was said to have been involved in the alleged killing of a rival cult member around Isale Aro area in the early week of July 2017.

Credible source informed the Nigerian Tribune that the Sunday killing of the young boy, whose father is popularly known as Olugbodi may have been precipitated by his controversial release from custody following his alleged involvement in the killing of a member of another cult group.

Residents and shop owners at Isale Aro, Igbonna, Latona and Gbeemu arrears, where the cult members engaged themselves in deadly attacks, using guns, axes and machetes had to scamper to safety in their bid to avoid being caught up in the melee.

Traders and shop owners in the affected areas were forced to hurriedly shut their business outlets for two days. But, the Police were able to contain the violence and normalcy had been restored the affected areas.

Reacting over the incident, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fimihan Adeoye, who spoke to our correspondent during a telephone chat, confirmed that only one person was killed during the cult clash.

He described as untrue speculations that more than one person was killed in the incident, saying that Osun State Police command had launched investigation into the matter.