Tragedy struck in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, as the annual Egungun Festival took a bloody turn, leading to the death of one man, identified simply as Abiodun.
The incident occurred on May 6, 2025, during the public outing of the Orogunmeji Masquerade. What was meant to be a cultural celebration quickly turned chaotic when a confrontation broke out between followers of the masquerade and operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.
Sources said Amotekun operatives were deployed to provide security during the festival procession. However, a heated disagreement erupted, reportedly after some of the masquerade’s followers attempted to snatch a rifle from an Amotekun officer.
An eyewitness said, “They started dragging the officer’s gun. In the struggle, the gun went off accidentally and hit Abiodun in the leg.”
Abiodun was immediately rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he died the following day due to complications from the gunshot injury.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said one suspect had been arrested, and the head of the Orogunmeji masquerade group had been invited for questioning.
Chief Adekunle Omoyele, the Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, also spoke on the matter, describing the shooting as an “accidental discharge.” He said the operatives were only trying to ensure peace and protect lives and property during the festival when the unfortunate event occurred.
He further stated that the matter has now been handed over to the police for thorough investigation.
The Egungun Festival is a significant cultural event among the Yoruba people, often marked by colourful masquerade displays, music, and large gatherings. However, such events have occasionally turned violent, especially when crowd control measures fail or when rival groups clash.
