Woman Confirmed Dead, Others Injured As Egungun Festival Turns Bloody In Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person in the violence that trailed the public outing of the Ege masquerade in the Egungun festival in Ibadan on Sunday.

The police spokesman in the state, ASP Adekunle Ajisebutu, told newsmen in Ibadan that two suspects were also arrested in connection with the incident.

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Violence had marred the Egungun festival on Sunday as many residents were assaulted while property were destroyed.

The festival, which often featured displays by masquerades, is meant to showcase the rich culture and tradition of Ibadan land.

Ajisebutu, however, said that the command had beefed up security in the area where the Egungun festival was taking place.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, had warned all masquerades and their followers to refrain from violence.

The police, he said, would not hesitate to deal with any individual or group attempting to cause a breach of the peace.

Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after violence erupted among Ege masquerade followers in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the police have arraigned 23-year-old Sadiq Olalere and his friend, Wasiu Oni, 38, before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court 4 in Ibadan for allegedly killing Mrs. Sakirat Olaegbe, during the current egungun festival in the city.

The deceased was said to have been axed and shot by the accused.

The accused were arraigned on five charges of conspiracy, murder, unlawful possession of arms and charms as well as other weapons in public.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Ojeleye, told the court the accused, with others on the run, on July 16 at 2.45 p.m at SW3/336 Popoyemoja Area, Idi-Arere in Ibadan allegedly committed the crime.

Ojeleye said the accused as well as their fleeing accomplices on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned area allegedly killed Mrs. Olaegbe with a gun in the front of her shop.

He said the display of the dangerous weapons and charms by the accused also caused terror and fear among the public who were going about their lawful duties on the said and location of the crime.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 324, 316 and 319, 517, 213(b) and 80 Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

The magistrate, Mrs. Modinat Akani, adjourned the matter till August 28 for legal advice from the Director of public prosecution (DPP).