Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed security agencies to launch an intensive manhunt for those behind a suspected cult-related killing in Osogbo, warning that those responsible must be arrested and brought to justice.
The Governor also appealed for calm, describing the killing and the violence that followed as unacceptable and capable of worsening the State’s already delicate security situation.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke condemned the incident and instructed security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order in the Osun State capital.
According to the statement, the Governor also dismissed allegations linking his administration to the incident, insisting that neither he nor the state government had any involvement in the killing.
“We receive with concern recent suspected cult killing at Osogbo and we call on security agencies to enforce the law and go after the culprits. The killing and the subsequent rampage are condemnable,” Adeleke said.
The Governor stressed that security agencies must act swiftly to restore normalcy and ensure that everyone responsible for the violence is identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He warned that criminal activities, particularly those linked to cult groups, must not be allowed to threaten the lives and safety of residents.
Adeleke further cautioned that unchecked cult violence could worsen the security challenges confronting the State in the aftermath of recent political disturbances.
“The incidents of cult violence at Osogbo should be curtailed immediately so as not to complicate the delicate security situation after recent political violence in the State. I call on security agencies to investigate and apprehend those involved in this dastardly act,” he added.
The Governor also distanced himself and his administration from the incident, describing reports alleging government involvement as false and misleading.
“Neither the Governor nor his government were involved in these unfortunate incidents. We call on members of the public to ignore fake news and propaganda. The security agencies should investigate and bring those responsible to account.”
The statement noted that the Accord Party was still mourning several of its members allegedly killed by political thugs in recent weeks, urging residents not to allow misinformation or unverified claims to inflame tensions across the State.
It added that security agencies should be allowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the suspected cult killing and the violence that followed, while ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
The government also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that every lawful measure would be taken to safeguard public safety and prevent a recurrence.
The latest development comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, following reports of killings in different parts of the State.
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