The police in Ogun State have launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected cult-related clash that resulted in the death of one person identified as ‘Stone’ in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the clash occurred at about 2:45 p.m. along Wasimi Ake Road, between Centenary Hall and Lotus Bank, towards the Ijemo Agbadu axis in Abeokuta South Local Council.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, clarified that, contrary to widespread speculation, the incident did not occur at the palace of the Alake, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, which had hosted the inauguration of the Yayi Progressive Movement.

He explained that the event was organised as a political platform supporting the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District.

Babaseyi said preliminary investigations revealed that gunshots were heard as two rival cult groups clashed, with some members fleeing on foot towards adjoining streets within the Wasimi Ake–Ijemo Agbadu axis.

He added that detectives from the division swiftly responded to distress calls and were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they found the victim lying in a pool of blood.

“Upon arrival, operatives found one victim, identified simply as “Stone,” lying in a pool of his blood with critical gunshot injuries. He was promptly evacuated in collaboration with the State Ambulance Service to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. The corpse has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for post-mortem examination,” he said.

Babaseyi stated that the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and is pursuing credible leads to ensure their swift arrest and prosecution.

He added that normalcy has been restored in the area, with adequate security presence deployed to prevent a recurrence.

Babaseyi advised the public to remain calm but vigilant, noting that the command is committed to safeguarding lives and property, and urged residents to provide timely and useful information to aid ongoing investigations.