Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were thrown into panic on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire in parts of the city, forcing people to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the sporadic gunshots caused confusion across the affected areas as traders hurriedly shut their shops while motorists, commuters and passersby scampered to avoid being caught in the violence.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in different parts of the city, created tension among residents amid growing concerns over security in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the motive behind the shooting had yet to be established, while there was no official confirmation regarding possible casualties, injuries or arrests connected to the incident.
The latest development has further heightened fears over rising insecurity and political violence in Osun State, especially following recent reports of violent attacks and clashes in Osogbo and neighbouring communities.
Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the shootings and had deployed operatives to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said security personnel were already on the ground gathering information and monitoring the situation.
According to him, the command could not immediately determine whether the incident had any political undertone.
“We are aware that there was shooting in some parts of the state, but whether it is branded with whatever party, that is what I don’t know because we have not seen any traces to that. Our control men are out now to gather some facts,” Ojelabi stated.
Residents have meanwhile called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and ensure those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
The shooting comes at a time of heightened political activities and growing public anxiety over safety in parts of Osun State, with many residents urging authorities to take proactive measures to prevent further violence.
