Police launch probe as NURTW member murdered in Osogbo

News Update

Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a violent clash involving rival groups in Osogbo that left a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, dead.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday around the Orita-Elelede axis of Osogbo, triggered panic among residents and disrupted commercial activities in nearby areas.

According to accounts obtained from eyewitnesses, the victim, Oyebamiji Quzeem, popularly known as Mosquito, was moving with a companion on motorcycle when they were allegedly pursued by suspected gang members on motorcycles.

Witnesses said the chase ended near Elelede Junction, where the attackers reportedly cornered the pair after forcing them to dismount from their motorcycle.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants descended on the men with dangerous weapons, including machetes.

“One of them was repeatedly struck and collapsed at the scene, while the other managed to flee despite sustaining serious injuries,” the witness disclosed.

Another source familiar with the area said the attack threw the neighbourhood into confusion, with traders and commuters scrambling for safety as rumours of reprisal spread.

It was further gathered that the deceased was associated with a faction linked to a former NURTW leader in the state.

Following the killing, movements around some major motor parks in Osogbo reportedly reduced, as transport workers and passengers stayed away to avoid being caught in possible clashes.

The state Police confirmed that operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command was aware of the killing and had commenced investigations.

“We received information about the incident at Orita-Elelede and immediately sent our men to the location.

“Unfortunately, one person was confirmed dead, while another sustained injuries. The Commissioner of Police has been briefed, and investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Ojelabi also noted that security patrols had been intensified around motor parks and flashpoints in Osogbo to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, police had yet to publicly identify the suspects or establish the precise motive behind the attack.

Unofficial accounts also stated that the fatalities have increased to three but this could not be officially verified as of the time of filing this report.