A recent graduate of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, identified as Taoreed, has lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet during a cult clash in the community.
The incident happened on Tuesday, September 23, shortly after Taoreed collected his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letter from the institution.
Reports indicate that the violence began a day earlier, Monday, September 22, when suspected cultists clashed near the school premises during a signing-out celebration for final-year students.
Gunfire broke out, forcing many students to flee for safety, and one student was killed in the process. Witnesses described the situation as chaotic and recalled that similar violence had occurred during previous sign-out events.
Videos from the scene showed students scrambling in panic as gunshots rang out.
According to a police source, Taoreed became a victim of a reprisal attack along the Ilesa–Esa-Oke Road the following day. He was reportedly waiting to board a bus home after picking up his call-up letter when gunmen opened fire on rival groups. A stray bullet struck him as he attempted to escape. His body was later discovered in a nearby bush with his call-up letter found inside the bag he was carrying.
Confirming the development, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident was a cult-related clash that claimed two lives—one student died instantly, while another succumbed in the hospital.
He added that police operatives are making efforts to track down those behind the violence.
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