Two students whose identities are yet to be confirmed have reportedly lost their lives following a suspected cult-related attack in Ede, Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, was said to have involved a group of about six students residing in an off-campus apartment.
According to sources familiar with the development, armed men believed to be cult members stormed the residence and launched a violent attack on the occupants.
A police insider, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the incident was linked to an ongoing rivalry between cult groups in the area.
“The assailants invaded the apartment at night while the students were inside. They attacked them with dangerous weapons in what appeared to be a retaliatory operation,” the source said.
Several of the victims sustained severe injuries during the assault, while two later died from their wounds. Those injured were taken to hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.
An anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, also confirmed that two persons died in the attack. The group alleged that members of the Aye confraternity carried out the operation after tracing a suspected Buccaneer member identified simply as Dara to the apartment.
According to the platform, Dara allegedly occupied the position of first shipmate within the group and was reportedly with other senior members, including the group’s leader popularly referred to as “Big Eye,” when the attackers arrived.
The platform claimed that the first shipmate and another member identified as “SJ” were killed, while other injured members, including the alleged leader, remain in critical condition at a hospital.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that a cult clash occurred in the area. She, however, stated that only one death had been officially recorded.
“Suspected cult members clashed on Tuesday, and one person was confirmed dead. Investigation into the matter is ongoing,” the police spokesperson said.