A fresh graduate of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, identified simply as Taoreed, has lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet during a cult clash in the community.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, September 23, shortly after Taoreed had collected his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letter from the institution.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence began on Monday, September 22, during the signing-out celebrations of final-year students, when rival cult groups clashed near the school premises.

A student, who asked not to be named, recalled:

“We were signing out after exams when we suddenly started hearing gunshots. Everyone ran for cover. Later, we learnt that a final-year student had been killed by cultists.”

The unrest spilled into the following day, when suspected cultists launched a reprisal attack along the Ilesa–Esa-Oke Road, where Taoreed was waiting to board a bus home.

A police source revealed that he was caught in the crossfire:

“They started shooting, and one of the stray bullets hit him. He tried to escape but collapsed in a nearby bush. His NYSC call-up letter was later found in his bag.”

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, described it as a cult-related clash that claimed two lives — one student on the spot and Taoreed at the hospital.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators,” Ojelabi said.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the growing insecurity around campus celebrations, which have often been marred by cult violence in the state.