Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipo, along with two others in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Mr. Oladipo, a 52-year-old prominent youth leader in the APC, was reportedly trailed to his residence in Ehin-Ogbe, Owo, by alleged members of the Eiye Confraternity. He was shot in the chest around 2:00 a.m. on Monday shortly after returning from a nightclub.
According to local sources, the attackers, believed to be members of a rival cult group, carried out the assassination as part of an ongoing violent feud in the area. Mr. Oladipo, fondly called “Fissy,” succumbed to his injuries on the spot, and his remains have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo.
Two More Victims Killed
The same group of gunmen is believed to have killed two other unidentified individuals in a separate attack. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims were gunned down on the streets of Owo, with their lifeless bodies later discovered. A video of the incident shared with The Gazette shows the victims lying on the road as sympathizers mourned the tragic events.
The attacks have triggered panic in the town, with sporadic gunshots heard following the killings.
Security Measures and Official Reactions
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, could not immediately confirm the incident when contacted but assured that a statement would be issued later.
However, Oluyemi Ibiloye, commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, confirmed the killings. He stated that security forces, including heavily armed personnel, had been deployed to restore order in Owo.
“We have sent our men to assist other security agencies in calming the atmosphere. Heavy deployment is ongoing, and we are monitoring the situation. Official reactions from security heads will follow soon,” Mr. Ibiloye told The Gazette.
The incident has been linked to a clash between rival cult groups, but the exact motive remains unclear. Security agencies are working to uncover the identities of the other victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Community Tensions
The killings have left Owo residents in a state of fear, with many calling for heightened security measures to prevent further violence. The tragic loss of Mr. Oladipo and the two other victims underscores the growing menace of cult-related violence in the region.