Tension has gripped Osogbo, the Osun State capital, following a fresh wave of violent attacks reportedly linked to the death of notorious figure Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when a young man identified as Kunle, also known as Asha, was reportedly shot in the neck around Dele Yes Sir junction, close to Zeus Club in Osogbo.
The attack has heightened fears of possible retaliatory violence following Emir’s death in Ile-Ife on Sunday, September 13.
According to reports attributed to Naija Confra, Kunle was selling barbecue fish at the junction when two motorcycles carrying suspected attackers arrived at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reportedly said the victim raised an alarm and called for help before he was shot in the neck.
The development is coming amid reports of several attacks allegedly carried out by individuals believed to be loyal to the late Emir, with residents expressing concern over the security situation in parts of the State capital.
Emir was reportedly killed in Ile-Ife on September 13 amid claims that the incident was connected to disputes surrounding transport union and park politics.
However, reports surrounding his death have remained contentious, with allegations that some of those suspected of involvement were also members of his own group.
Naija Confra, which reported the latest attack, also alleged that Emir had been involved in violent criminal activities and had accumulated enemies within rival groups, transport union circles and political circles.
The publication further alleged that there had previously been internal clashes within the NBM group in Osogbo, including reported confrontations involving Emir and other members.
Meanwhile, residents are increasingly concerned that further violence could follow the killing, particularly if suspected associates of the deceased continue seeking revenge.
The latest reported shooting has also renewed calls for heightened police visibility and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable areas of Osogbo to prevent further attacks and possible reprisal killings.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the shooting or the reported attacks.
The circumstances surrounding Kunle’s reported shooting, including the identity and motive of the attackers, remain subject to police investigation.
