A yet-to-be-identified street beggar lost his life amidst violent clashes between rival hoodlum factions in Osogbo, Osun State.
The altercation erupted over money provided by a property owner in the Gbaemu area, leading to fatal consequences.
According to witnesses interviewed by PUNCH Metro, tensions had been boiling since Sunday as hoodlums from Asoje and Egbatedo areas battled for control over monetary benefits linked to a recent property transaction in the neighborhood.
Tragically, the unnamed beggar fell victim to the violence, struck by a stray bullet during clashes near Asoje.
Anonymously speaking out, local traders voiced concerns over the persistent threat posed by armed hoodlums and appealed for swift government intervention to quell the unrest.
“The hoodlum from Egbatedo was coming from Station Road end and as he approached the Gbaemu junction, those hoodlums from Asoje, numbering about 30, bearing arms circled him. They attacked him with broken tiles and left him soaked with blood.
“The man from Egbatedo managed to leave the scene but he later returned with many other boys who carried guns, pestles, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. By the time they arrived, hoodlums from Asoje had disappeared from the area. Several gunshots were fired leaving people to scamper into safety.
“From that Sunday, the entire neighbourhood has not witnessed respite. Police operatives were deployed but these boys have been going around with arms. During the clashes involving the two groups, a beggar going on the road around Asoje/Balogun Agoro Area was hit by a stray bullet and died. His corpse was later retrieved by his people for burial on Monday,” one of the traders who spoke on the condition of anonymity for safety reasons said.
The community remains on edge, with fears mounting over the unchecked presence of armed groups.
Responding to the unrest, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Osun State Police Force has mobilized in the Gbaemu vicinity, striving to restore order amidst ongoing tensions.
Confirming the situation, Osun Police Command spokesperson Yemisi Opalola assured that law enforcement efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace to the troubled community.
“Our men are on the trail of the hoodlums involved. Men of the Osun Anti-Cultism Unit are still there as we speak. We are looking for them. They are running but our men are on their trail. We will arrest all those involved,” Opalola said.
