Fresh details have emerged from Osogbo, Osun State, confirming that three people have died following renewed violence linked to the killing of a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
Medical sources confirmed that the latest fatality died at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, UNIOSUNTH, Osogbo, after sustaining gunshot injuries during a violent disturbance that broke out days after the initial killing.
DAILY POST gathered that the crisis followed the death of Kazeem Oyebamiji aka Mosquito, an aide to the Osun State Chairman of the NURTW, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, who was reportedly attacked on Sunday while riding a motorcycle in the city.
Security sources said tension heightened after the incident, with residents later reporting sporadic gunfire in parts of Osogbo, resulting in casualties among civilians who were not directly involved in the dispute.
One of the deceased, identified as Abiodun Olanipekun, was said to have been struck by a stray bullet while sitting at a roadside shop in the evening, shortly after returning from work.
Narrating the incident, the victim’s aunt, Afon Oluwafunke, said Olanipekun had stepped out to buy food when the shooting began.
“He told us he was going to buy garri for supper. He was just sitting and talking when some men arrived in vehicles and started firing.
“People started running. He was hit around the neck and back while trying to escape. We rushed him to the hospital, but he later died from complications,” she said.
Hospital officials confirmed that the victim sustained spinal injuries and respiratory failure before he was pronounced dead.
His death has brought the number of confirmed deaths to three since the violence began.
Reacting, the Osun State Police Command said it was aware of the earlier killing but disputed reports of organised reprisal attacks.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said investigations were ongoing.
“As of now, no arrests have been made, and we are still gathering facts surrounding the incidents. We urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore order,” he said.
