According to a report by The PUNCH, some men suspected to be members of the Ave Confraternity, on Wednesday, shot dead a man identified as ThankGod Olorunwa in the Irojo area of Ilesha, Osun State.

The deceased, who was said to be a plank dealer at a sawmill in the area, it was gathered, was standing close to the target of the suspected cultists when he was hit.

It was learnt that the assailants had aimed at a repentant cultist, but the bullet hit Olorunwa, who was standing close by.

A resident of Irojo, who preferred not to be named, told PUNCH Metro that there was a clash between members of the Ave and Aiye confraternities in the area during which gunshots were exchanged.

The resident said Olorunwa was shot during the exchange of gunshots by the two groups.

While the clash lasted, residents were said to have taken cover, with many shops just opening for business hurriedly shut.

An eyewitness said, “The groups clashed in Irojo around 9am and they shot at each other.

“What I observed was that the deceased was standing close to a man, who had renounced cultism and was the possible target for the assailants. Olorunwa was shot in the chest and he died on the spot.”

When contacted, the state police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident.

Opalola stated, “Around 9.15am, suspected cultists led by one Solo and Bode with their gangs from Iwara in the Atakunmosa East Local Government of the state, shot dead one ThankGod Olorunwa, 28, of the Irojo area, Ilesha, Osun State.

“The corpse has been deposited in the Wesley Guild Hospital mortuary, Ilesha.”

She said police had restored peace in the area, adding that efforts were being made to arrest and prosecute those behind the killing.