By Bukola Olamona, Adeboye Ado & Oluwatimilehin Bisiriyu

Owo town, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, was gripped by fear on Monday following the alleged killing of two residents in a cult-related clash.

Eyewitnesses told The Hope that the violence could be linked to a feud that dates back to over a decade, during which several residents lost their lives in gang clashes.

A community source revealed that on Sunday, 5 January, a 52-year-old man, Fisayo Oladipupo, was reportedly shot by unknown assailants. The source suggested that the incident stemmed from unresolved disputes lingering for over a decade.

“The man killed on Sunday knew his attacker, and that may have led to his death,” the source stated.

Fifteen years ago, the father’s house of the alleged attacker was set ablaze by local youths. In a retaliatory act, the father’s house of the victim was torched on Monday, 6 January.

In a video obtained by The Hope, a yet-to-be-identified man was seen lying lifeless on the road as residents fled for safety.

The remains of Mr Oladipupo have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.

Another source told The Hope that he deceased was a former youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen. The source said sporadic gunshots have rented the air following the killing of the party Chieftain.“We thank God that students are not around because we have been hearing gunshots after it was heard that the former youth has been killed early this morning”The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents and party members expressing grief and concern over the growing insecurity in the area.

Details later…