An Osun Egungun dispute over N8,000 during a masquerade procession in Ilare has left one man dead and another in police custody
A disagreement over the sharing of N8,000 proceeds from an Egungun procession in Ilare, Osun State, has turned deadly after a man identified as Bukunmi was allegedly stabbed during a violent altercation.
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The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening during the Egungun festival celebration after Bukunmi and two associates, identified as Femi and Pelumi, completed a masquerade procession and gathered to divide money realised from the event.
Eyewitnesses said tension erupted during the sharing of the funds when Bukunmi and Pelumi, who were said to be relatives, disagreed over the money.
According to residents familiar with the incident, Femi stepped in to mediate between the two men before the situation suddenly escalated.
“One Pelumi and Bukunmi, both members of the same family, had a misunderstanding, and Femi intervened and prevailed on the two of them,” an eyewitness said.
The witness alleged that Bukunmi later attacked Femi during the argument, provoking a fierce reaction that allegedly led to the stabbing.
“Suddenly, Bukunmi attacked Femi, who was mediating. He hit him in the mouth, and that angered the mediator, who allegedly stabbed Bukunmi with a knife,” the source added.
Residents at the scene reportedly rushed Bukunmi to a hospital for treatment, while operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps intervened to prevent a mob attack on the suspect.
The suspect was later handed over to officers at the Esa Oke Police Division.
Sources said news later emerged that Bukunmi died from injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect had been taken into custody while investigations continued.
“We are aware of the incident. The suspect is with the police. The corpse has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy. Investigation is on,” Ojelabi said.
Police authorities said due process would be followed to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal Osun Egungun dispute.
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The incident has sparked concern among residents of the community, where the annual masquerade celebration is traditionally regarded as a cultural and social gathering.
