A 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, has reportedly been hacked to death in Ibadan, Oyo State, following an attack allegedly carried out by a masquerade and his followers, prompting the police to arrest the masquerade and begin a manhunt for four other suspects.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the suspect identified as the Asoleke masquerade had been taken into custody, while four of his followers believed to have participated in the attack remain on the run.
The command said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a full investigation, with assurances that everyone involved in the killing would be brought to justice.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by the deceased’s sister, Mrs. Aderemi.
Ayanlade said the woman told the police that she received a distress call from her elder sister at about 4 p.m. on the day of the incident, informing her that the Asoleke masquerade and several of his followers had attacked Kehinde with dangerous weapons.
She alleged that the attackers used axes and cutlasses to inflict severe injuries on different parts of the victim’s body.
The police said officers attached to the Mapo Division immediately responded after receiving the report.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, swiftly mobilised to the scene,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the officers rushed the badly injured victim to a hospital for emergency treatment.
However, doctors on duty confirmed him dead shortly after he arrived at the medical facility.
“The victim was immediately evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty,” the police spokesperson stated.
Following the incident, investigators visited the scene of the attack to gather evidence.
According to the police, the crime scene was processed while photographs and other necessary documentation were taken to assist the investigation.
The command also disclosed that members of the deceased’s family requested that his body be released to them for burial in line with Islamic traditions.
After completing the required procedures, the police approved the request and handed over the corpse to the family.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Abimbola Olugbemiga, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a more detailed investigation.
The transfer is expected to allow experienced homicide detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify all those involved.
According to the police, while the alleged Asoleke masquerade has already been arrested, four other suspects who reportedly took part in the attack are still being sought.
Security operatives have launched a manhunt to arrest the fleeing suspects and ensure they face prosecution if found culpable.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in bringing all those connected with the incident to justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support the investigation by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
“Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation,” the commissioner said.
The killing has generated concern among residents of the Labiran area of Ibadan, where the incident occurred, with many calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
Although masquerade festivals remain an important part of the cultural heritage of many Yoruba communities, they have occasionally been linked to violent clashes, especially where disputes arise between masquerade followers and residents.
In many communities, local authorities and security agencies usually issue guidelines during masquerade festivals to maintain public order and prevent attacks on residents or road users.
Over the years, there have been repeated calls for stricter enforcement of laws against individuals who use traditional festivals or cultural practices as a cover to commit acts of violence.
Community leaders have also urged masquerade groups to conduct their activities peacefully and respect the rights and safety of members of the public.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over public safety during traditional festivals and the need for organisers to ensure that cultural celebrations do not result in the loss of lives or destruction of property.
The police have not disclosed what led to the alleged attack on Kehinde, and investigators are expected to question the arrested suspect and other witnesses to establish the motive behind the incident.
Authorities are also expected to determine the specific roles played by each of the suspects during the attack.
As the investigation continues, residents of Ibadan and the family of the deceased are awaiting the outcome of the police probe, while the Oyo State Police Command says efforts are ongoing to track down the four fleeing suspects and ensure that everyone connected with the alleged murder is brought before the law.