Ondo Cult Clash: APC Chieftain, Mother, Child Shot Dead In Owo

By Ayodele Oni

Early morning sporadic gun shots emanating from an alleged cult clash in Owo, Ondo State, has led to the death of four persons.  Several others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Those confirmed dead include a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Fisayo Oladipo and three others that were shot dead in Owo by unknown gunmen suspected to be some cult members.

Others are a mother and her child who were shot on the roadside by a stray bullet during   a reprisal attack.

It was gathered that the ugly event was said to have occurred at around 2:00am on Monday when the gunmen stormed his house in Owo to perpetrate the evil act as confirmed by eyewitness

Already, the entire ancient town is gripped by fear as the clash, which started at a section of the town is spreading.

Eyewitnesses reveal that the violence is also traced to a long time feud which dates back to over a decade, during which several residents lost their lives in gang clashes.

It was revealed that only on Sunday, a 52-year-old man, Fisayo Oladipupo, was reportedly shot by unknown assailants, an incident which stemmed from unresolved disputes lingering for over a decade.

The source explained that “The man killed on Sunday knew his attacker, and that may have led to his death.

“Fifteen years ago, the father’s house of the alleged attacker was set ablaze by local youths. In a retaliatory act, the father’s house of the victim was torched on Monday, 6 January.”

In a viral video, a yet-to-be-identified man was seen lying lifeless on the road as residents fled for safety.

The remains of Mr Oladipupo have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.

Another source stated that the deceased,  a former youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen.

The source said sporadic gunshots have rented the air following the killing of the party Chieftain.

“We thank God that students are not around because we have been hearing gunshots after it was heard that the former youth has been killed early this morning.

”The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents and party members expressing grief and concern over the growing insecurity in the area.”

Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Police Command spokesman, Funmilayo Ibklam, stated that: “We can’t confirm if an APC chieftain is affected, but four people have been confirmed dead.

“Normalcy has returned through the intervention of the Police, efforts are on to arrest perpetrators of the act.”