Fear Spreads in Osogbo as Motorcyclist Killed in Street Attack

OSOGBO — Residents of Osogbo were thrown into shock on Sunday following a violent attack on motorcyclists in the Orita Elelede area of the town, which left one person dead and another injured. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred along the Orita Elelede–Asoje Junction axis, a busy route frequently used by commercial motorcyclists and commuters. The victims were reportedly chased and attacked by a group of suspected hoodlums wielding machetes. One of the riders, identified as Kazeem Oyewole, was said to have sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene, while the second rider narrowly escaped after suffering multiple cuts. The injured victim was later assisted by residents in the area. Residents told NaijaNewspaper that the sudden violence caused panic among motorcyclists, many of whom temporarily withdrew from the road for fear of further attacks. “People started running when the attack happened. Bike riders quickly left the area, and shops were closed for a while,” a trader near the junction said. It was also gathered that the deceased was a personal assistant to a local transport union leader, raising concerns among residents about possible tensions within transport-related groups operating in the town. However, the exact motive for the attack was not immediately clear. The Osun State Police Command confirmed that officers were deployed to the area shortly after the incident was reported. Police patrols were later intensified around major motor parks and adjoining streets to prevent any retaliatory violence. A police source told NaijaNewspaper that investigations had commenced and assured residents that those responsible would be tracked down. Community members and motorcycle operators have since called on security agencies and local authorities to strengthen patrols in Osogbo, particularly around known flashpoints, to prevent a recurrence. Olamide George-Assistant Editor