Residents of Owo town in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic on Monday following the alleged killing of two individuals in a suspected cult-related clash.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the violence stemmed from a long-standing feud dating back over a decade, during which similar clashes have claimed numerous lives.
According to community sources, the unrest began on Sunday, January 5, when a 52-year-old man, Fisayo Oladipupo, was reportedly shot by unknown assailants. It is believed that unresolved grievances linked to past incidents contributed to the attack.
“The man who was killed on Sunday allegedly recognized his attacker, which might have led to his death,” a source disclosed.
Fifteen years earlier, tensions flared when local youths reportedly set the home of the alleged attacker’s father ablaze. In retaliation, the victim’s family house was also torched on Monday, January 6, escalating the crisis.
In a video circulating online, an unidentified man was seen lying lifeless on the road while frightened residents fled for safety.
The body of Fisayo Oladipupo has been taken to the morgue at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.
Another source revealed that one of the victims was a former youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was reportedly killed by gunmen early Monday morning, sparking sporadic gunfire that has left residents living in fear.
“Thankfully, students are on break, but we’ve been hearing gunshots since the news of the killing broke this morning,” the source added.
The killings have plunged the community into mourning, with locals and party members lamenting the increasing insecurity in the area.
