OSOGBO — Two persons, including a man popularly known as Small Rugged, were killed while four others sustained gunshot injuries following a violent attack at the Owò-Ẹ̀bà area of Ilesa Garage in Osogbo, Osun State.

The incident, which occurred some hours ago, reportedly triggered panic among residents, motorists and traders in the area as the victims were caught up in the violent attack.

Local sources linked the incident to a suspected clash between rival cult groups. However, the motive behind the attack has not been officially established by the police.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said two persons were killed at the scene while four injured victims were rescued by police operatives and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Ojelabi identified one of the deceased as Small Rugged, adding that the identity of the second victim had yet to be confirmed.

According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to the area and directed operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He added that investigation into the incident is ongoing as the command works to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those involved.

Residents and business owners in the area have expressed concern over the incident, particularly its impact on public safety and commercial activities around Ilesa Garage.

The police have urged members of the public with useful information about the incident to assist investigators as efforts continue to bring the perpetrators to justice.