IKIRE, OSUN STATE — Tension has reportedly gripped Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, following a fresh attack at Naira and Kobo Garage, where three commercial bus drivers and two passengers were allegedly killed by unidentified thugs.


The incident, according to information reaching our newsroom, occurred at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, as residents and transport operators continued to grapple with renewed security concerns in the state. Details surrounding the attack, including the identities of the victims and the circumstances that led to the killings, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The development is particularly concerning as it occurred less than 24 hours after the Osun State Government raised an alarm over alleged plans to trigger fresh crises across local government councils and motor parks in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the government was disturbed by reports that some stakeholders were planning to ignite fresh rounds of crisis in local government councils and motor parks.


The government urged political actors and residents to embrace peace, reconciliation and lawful means of resolving disagreements, warning against a relapse into the violence witnessed before the August 15 governorship election. Alimi also called on security agencies to enforce the rule of law and prevent attempts to plunge the state into another cycle of violence.


As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not released an official statement confirming the reported Ikire incident, the number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the attack. The identities of the victims and the motive of the thugs have therefore not been independently established.

The latest development is expected to heighten calls for security agencies to strengthen surveillance and protection around motor parks and other vulnerable locations across the state, particularly in the aftermath of recent political tensions and security incidents recorded in Osun.


This report will be updated as soon as the Nigeria Police Force, Osun State Command, or other relevant authorities provide an official account of the incident.