The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person following a suspected cult-related clash in Abeokuta.

The victim, identified simply as “Stone,” was reportedly shot and macheted to death during the incident, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday along Wasimi Ake Road, between Centenary Hall and Lotus Bank, leading towards the Ijemo Agbadu axis.

Sources indicated that the violence erupted after a confrontation between suspected rival cult groups. The deceased was alleged to be a former leader of the Buccaneer cult group.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said a full-scale investigation has commenced.

He disclosed that preliminary findings revealed that gunshots were heard in the area, causing panic as suspected hoodlums engaged one another before fleeing through adjoining streets.

According to him, detectives from the Oke Itoku Division were promptly deployed to the scene, where the victim was found in a pool of blood with severe gunshot wounds and machete cuts to the head.

The police spokesperson clarified that the incident did not occur at Ake Palace, contrary to circulating reports, and was not connected to the Yayi Progressive Movement inauguration held at the palace.

“The clash was strictly confined to the roadway and its adjoining neighbourhood,” he stated.

Babaseyi added that the victim was evacuated with the assistance of the State Ambulance Service to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. The body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

He urged residents to remain calm, assuring that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible, as the command has launched an intensified manhunt and is pursuing credible leads to ensure their arrest and prosecution.