Police launch investigation after 19-year-old Timileyin Oni was killed and three others injured in Ijebu-Jesa amid political accusations

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 19-year-old Timileyin Oni in a late-night shooting in Ijebu-Jesa, saying preliminary investigations indicate the attack was cult-related rather than politically motivated.

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The command also confirmed that three other people sustained injuries during the incident and are receiving treatment, while detectives from the Anti-Cultism Unit have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers responded to a distress call after reports of gunfire at T&K Junction in Ijebu-Jesa at about 11 p.m. on Monday.

“The incident happened around 11 pm on Monday. We received a report that there was a shooting at the T&K Junction in Ijebu-Jesa, and the police mobilised to the scene.

“On getting there, we met the lifeless body of a 19-year-old boy, Timileyin Oni. The police took him to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“We saw an injury on his head, suspected to be a gunshot wound. We took him to the mortuary, and we contacted his family members,” Ojelabi said.

According to the police spokesman, Oni’s father informed investigators that the teenager was attacked while returning from church.

Ojelabi said three other victims sustained injuries in the attack, adding that investigations remained ongoing.

“About three others were injured. We are still investigating. I don’t want to go into what is going on on social media from political parties.

“There was a warning issued by the police yesterday against celebrating 7/7 by cultists, and from all indications, it is cult-related. No arrest has been made as we speak, but the anti-cultism unit has been drafted to the area,” he added.

The Osun Cult-Related Shooting occurred less than 24 hours after the police command issued a public warning that criminal groups could attempt to commemorate July 7, popularly referred to by security agencies as “7/7”, through cult-related activities. The command had announced heightened surveillance, intelligence-led operations and increased patrols across the state to prevent violence.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a fresh exchange of accusations between the state’s Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged in a social media post that armed thugs linked to the APC were responsible for the attack.

“How many people will be killed because of politics and power?” Olajengbesi wrote.

“This is my hometown tonight. Armed thugs drove into Ijebu-Jesa and started firing sporadically. An innocent young man has been killed, four others have been injured, and the entire town has been thrown into panic. This is what Osun APC calls politics.”

However, the Oriade Local Government Chairman, Olubunmi Obeisun, dismissed the allegation, insisting there was no evidence linking the attack to the APC.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Olayinka Awoyemi, Obeisun cited the account of one of the survivors, Oginni Olamide Oluwole, who reportedly said he and others were on their way to church when two armed men riding motorcycles suddenly opened fire.

According to Obeisun, Olamide stated that the victims fled into a nearby shop, but one of the attackers pursued them and continued shooting, resulting in Oni’s death and injuries to others.

Obeisun further maintained that the survivor identified himself as a committed APC member and insisted the attackers were not affiliated with the party.

The latest incident comes against the backdrop of recurring political tensions in Osun State, where the ruling Accord Party and the opposition APC have frequently exchanged blame whenever violent incidents occur.

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While political leaders continue to trade accusations, the police have urged the public to allow investigators to establish the facts and have pledged to bring those behind the deadly shooting to justice.