By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that a fatal shooting in Abeokuta on Sunday was the result of a violent cult clash, dismissing speculation that the incident was connected to a political rally held for Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
In a statement issued on Sunday by command spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, detectives from the Oke Itoku Division said the gun duel occurred around 2:45 pm along Wasimi Ake Road, in the Centenary Hall and Lotus Bank axis leading towards Ijemo Agbadu.
“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,” Babaseyi stated.
Preliminary findings indicate that suspected rival cult groups opened fire on each other before fleeing into adjoining streets. The sudden violence triggered panic among residents and shop owners, who scrambled for safety as gunshots rang out.
Responding to distress calls, police operatives arrived to find the aftermath of the clash. One victim, identified only as “Stone,” was lying in a pool of blood with critical gunshot injuries, the command said.
The victim was evacuated with support from the State Ambulance Service to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Babaseyi said normalcy has been restored to the area, with additional security personnel deployed to prevent reprisal attacks and reassure residents. Patrols have been intensified around Wasimi Ake Road and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The command disclosed that an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators is underway. Detectives are pursuing credible leads to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those involved in the shooting.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant and to report suspicious movements or gatherings to the nearest police station. The command appealed for public cooperation, noting that useful information would aid ongoing investigations.
