Four persons were yesterday reported killed in a renewed cult war that has lasted four days in Ilesa, Osun State.

The latest deadly encounter started last Sunday after some suspected cultists from Eiye and Aye confraternities clashed.

Two suspected cultists were killed on Sunday night. They were identified as Machine and S. Kay.

It was gathered that the two were found dead after an exchange of gunshots at the Imo area of the town.

A source in the area said one of the victims was killed in front of a beer parlour, while the other was found dead at Imo junction close to the bar.

However, apparently on a reprisal mission, another gang of cultists struck, yesterday afternoon, killing two persons at Sabo area, along Ilesa/Akure express road.

Security sources said the victims were two young men and that they were forced to alight from a moving vehicle at Sabo by some suspected Aye cultists.

“Immediately they left the vehicle, the young men identified as Lekan, 28, and Sunday, 25, were shot dead by their attackers.

“Both victims were said to be residents of Muslim Area in Ilesa and they were alleged to be members of Eiye cult group,” the source added.

The Guardian gathered that four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene of the attack, while the remains of the deceased have been taken to a morgue in the town .

Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing cultists.

Spokesperson for Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, had earlier confirmed the killing of two persons on Sunday.