The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person following a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups in Abeokuta on Sunday, as authorities intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. along Wasimi Ake Road, within the Centenary Hall and Lotus Bank axis leading towards Ijemo Agbadu.
The police moved swiftly to dispel speculation linking the violence to a political gathering in the area.
“The Ogun State Police Command unequivocally clarifies that this incident did not occur at Ake Palace, did not take place within the venue of the rally, and is in no way connected to the Yayi Progressive Movement inauguration programme held at Ake Palace,” the statement said.
According to preliminary findings, the clash involved armed members of rival cult groups who engaged in a gun duel before fleeing into nearby streets, causing panic among residents.
Responding to distress calls, police operatives arrived at the scene shortly after the incident but encountered its aftermath.
“The statement read, ‘Upon arrival, operatives found one victim, identified simply as “Stone,” lying in a pool of his blood with critical gunshot injuries,’” the Command stated.
The victim was immediately evacuated with the assistance of the State Ambulance Service to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
The Command said calm has since returned to the area following increased security deployment, adding that a manhunt is underway to track down the fleeing suspects.
“The Command has launched an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators and is actively pursuing credible leads to ensure their swift arrest and prosecution,” the statement added.