ONDO, Nigeria — Bloodshed struck the ancient town of Owo in Ondo state on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, as a violent clash between two rival cults left three people dead and at least ten others seriously injured.
The incident has since triggered a wave of tension, leaving the town in the grip of fear and uncertainty.
The cause of the clash remains unclear, with authorities still piecing together details of the deadly incident that occurred around 9 p.m. local time.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the confrontation stemmed from a leadership dispute amongst the rival cult groups.
Witnesses on the scene reported a gruesome aftermath, with the perpetrators allegedly taking away the corpses of the deceased.
Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the local security outfit codenamed “Amotekun”, confirmed the upheaval. “We’re facing a severe breakdown of law and order,” he said during a press briefing. “We have deployed our men to bring the situation under control.”
While no arrests have been made thus far, Adeleye assured the public that justice would be served. “We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to book,” he declared.
In a separate statement, the state police command confirmed that their detectives are working tirelessly to track down the killers. The State Police Command Spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, expressed the force’s determination to restore peace in the area.
“The police is currently on patrol within Owo,” Odunlami said. “I have spoken with the Area Commander and DPO, and we’re finding it challenging as no one is ready to report or even assist with information.”
In the face of this information gap, the police have deployed their anti-cultism unit to the town. Odunlami appealed to the residents, urging them to go about their normal businesses.
“We are on top of the situation,” she reassured. “We urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.”
As the ancient town of Owo grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, the quest for justice, peace, and normalcy remains at the forefront. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of cult-related violence, bringing it sharply into the public and governmental focus.
