Tension has risen in Ikire, Osun State, after shootings were reported around the Naira and Kobo Garage in Irewole Local Government Area, with unverified reports claiming that five people were killed.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that shots were fired in the area but said it had not established whether anyone was killed. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said officers were still gathering information about the incident.
“We are still gathering the information as to what is happening there. I can only confirm there were shootings around that area,” Ojelabi told PREMIUM TIMES by phone on Tuesday.
Claims circulating on social media alleged that the victims included three commercial bus drivers and two passersby. The reports were attributed to Osogbo Updates and Adeleke Youth Development Initiative, but the reported death toll had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
The shooting reportedly followed a confrontation linked to attempts to take control of the Naira and Kobo Garage. One social media report also alleged that the Ikire Divisional Police Officer, Olatona Bamidele, visited the garage to clear the road and enable access for people alleged to be attempting to take over the facility. That claim also remains unverified.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Osun following the 15 August governorship election and reported disputes over control of transport garages and other grassroots structures. Competition over transport union leadership has involved rival political interests, adding to concerns about possible clashes after the election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke won the election on the Accord Party platform with 511,067 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes.
With the police still investigating, the circumstances surrounding the Ikire shooting and whether there were casualties remain unclear. Authorities are expected to provide further details as information from the area is verified.
