The Osun State Police Command has commenced investigations into the killing of a 19-year-old resident of Ijebu-Jesa, Timileyin Oni, and the shooting of three other persons in the town.

The command said no arrests have been made so far, as its anti-cultism unit continues efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The incident occurred late Monday at T&K Junction, Ijebu-Jesa, and has triggered political accusations between the ruling Accord Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), with both parties offering different accounts of the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers were deployed after receiving reports of gunshots around 11 p.m.

He said the victim was found motionless at the scene and was later taken to a hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.

“The victim was taken to hospital where doctors confirmed him dead, while an examination revealed what was suspected to be a gunshot wound to the head before his body was deposited in the mortuary and his family informed,” Ojelabi said.

The police spokesman added that three other victims sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment.

According to him, preliminary investigations suggest the incident may be linked to cult-related activities.

“There was a warning issued by the police yesterday against celebrating 7/7 by cultists, and from all indications, it is cult-related. No arrest has been made as we speak, but the anti-cultism unit has been drafted to the area,” he added.

Ojelabi said the victim’s father informed the police that Timileyin was returning from church when he was attacked.

Meanwhile, the incident has generated political reactions, with the Imole Campaign Council alleging that armed political thugs were responsible for the attack.

The council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a social media post, accused APC members of involvement and condemned what he described as the politicisation of violence.

“Armed thugs drove into Ijebu-Jesa and started firing sporadically. An innocent young man has been killed, four others have been injured, and the entire town has been thrown into panic,” he said.

However, the Chairman of Oriade Local Government, Olubunmi Obeisun, dismissed the allegation, saying there was no evidence linking the APC to the attack.

Through his media aide, Olayinka Awoyemi, the council chairman cited the account of an injured survivor, Oginni Olamide Oluwole, who reportedly said the victims were attacked by two gunmen riding motorcycles while they stopped to buy sachet water on their way to church.

According to the statement, the attackers allegedly pursued the victims into a nearby shop where they continued shooting, leading to Oni’s death and injuries to others.

The local government chairman said the survivor identified himself as an APC member and stated that the attackers were not members of the party.

The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.