Metro News
Three killed as cultists clash at Osun-Osogbo Festival
Three persons were reportedly killed following a violent clash between rival cult groups around the Osun-Osogbo ancient groove, during the festival’s grand finale on Friday.
Also, 10 operatives of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFS) were wounded by the hoodlums during the clash.
The incident threw Osun traditionalists and tourists into panic as people scampered for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the clash was yet to be ascertained.
The suspected cultists also vandalized the NHFS office close to the scene of the incident.
Confirming the incident, NHFS Commandant in Osun State, Hammed Nureni, said no fewer than three persons were killed in the clash that ensued between the suspected cult groups.
“We counted three dead bodies. After the incident that happened at the groove, the hoodlums proceeded to our office and got it vandalised,” he said.
Also, reacting to the incident, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, frowned upon the invasion of the Osun groove by cultists, saying it “tarnished the international status of the festival”.
Adams, who spoke shortly after the festival, said, “It is unfortunate that cultist and miscreants have been taking advantage of the hospitality of the festival to create a platform for cult rivalry which Osun goddess abhors and we must collectively stop the trend.
“This is an opportunity for Osun and Nigeria to attract tourism development. Osun-Osogbo is known globally and we must protect and project it to the whole world. Nothing must the advancement of the festival and by extension Yoruba tradition.”
Earlier, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, restated the commitment of his administration to tourist development.
Adeleke said, “This year’s celebration provides the greatest opportunity ever for our people to have a new look at our culture and tradition. We are challenged to capitalise on our rich culture to build an economically sound and virile nation.”
Fire has razed the Oko Baba plank market in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.
LASEMA spokesman, Nosa Okunbor, said officials of the LASEMA Response Team, LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have embarked on a search and rescue operation at Oko Baba plank market by Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta.
He said the immediate cause of the fire is unknown, adding that no life was lost or injuries sustained as a result of the incident.
“The fire consumed the main plank market, major parts of the shanties and goods worth millions of Naira,” Okunbor said.
“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, received distress calls via the 767 / 112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 1020hrs.
“The Agency activated it’s Cobra Squad from the Onipanu Base and arrived the incident scene at 11020hrs.
“Upon arrival at the scene, it was observed that a plank market and shanties spread on a large expanse of land was engulfed by fire.
“The cause and origin of the fire outbreak could not be ascertained as at time of reporting this incident.”
The LASEMA spokesman said that the fire has been completely extinguished as emergency responders have secured the entire area.
According to him, the “dampening down is in progress to prevent re-ignition,” with “occupants enlightened on the dangers, major causes, and ways of preventing fire outbreaks in market areas.”
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency are currently attending to a fire outbreak at the Oko Baba plank market in the Ebute Metta area of the state.
An X user, Adedeji Olalekan, tweeting as #Stylomedia, disclosed on Sunday that the fire also affected the shanties in the market.
He tweeted, “Okobaba Street is on fire now, all the shanties are burning.”
Confirming the incident in a terse message on WhatsApp, LASEMA’s spokesperson, Nosa Okunbor, said emergency responders are at the scene carrying out a search and rescue operation.
Okunbor said, “LASEMA Response Team, LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in search and rescue operation at Oko Baba plank market by Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta.”
More soon…
-
News3 years agoNollywood Actress Nkechi Blessing speaks on plastic surgery, big butts
-
Entertainment2 years agoDJ Dimple Nipple dropped by longtime boyfriend after claiming D’Prince allegedly demanded sex for roles
-
Privacy3 years agoSelf-imposed Oba vacates ‘palace’ after warnings by community
-
News3 years agoPlus size rocks: Ghanaian plus size dancer who can’t travel by air because of her size
-
Sports3 years agoMeet Ashleigh Plumptre, the ‘Oyinbo’ member of Nigeria Super Falcons [Video]
-
Entertainment3 years agoIni Edo welcomes first child through surrogacy, speaks on past miscarriages
-
News3 years agoHow CCTV ’caught’ Baba Ijesha molesting minor
-
Opinion3 years agoLeave our community, Imobi orders self-imposed Oba