Three persons were reportedly feared dead and 12 others injured during a violent clash between rival cult groups around the Osun-Osogbo ancient groove, at the festival's grand finale," according to sources.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, expressed his displeasure at the invasion of the Osun groove by cultists, stating that it could "tarnish the international status of the festival."
At the time of reporting, the identities of the victims remained unknown, but hoodlums were observed wielding dangerous weapons, causing disruption and panic among residents and tourists near Jaleyemi and Isale-Osun.
The Office of Hunters and Forest Security Service, situated along the road, also fell victim to an attack and was vandalized, resulting in injuries to its personnel.
Ahmed Nureni, Chairman of the Hunter group, confirmed that three bodies were discovered near the groove, and ten members of the group sustained injuries. He stated, "We sighted three dead bodies, though we don't know their identities. Meanwhile, our office at Jaleyemi area was also vandalized and in the process, ten personnel were injured."
During a reception organized for him, Gani Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate security for tourists and visitors in order to preserve the sanctity of the spiritual festival.
He asserted, "It is unfortunate that cultists and miscreants have been taking advantage of the hospitality of the festival to create a platform for cult rivalry, which Osun goddess abhors and we must collectively stop the trend.
"This is an opportunity for Osun and Nigeria to attract tourism development. Osun-Osogbo is renowned globally and we must protect and project it to the whole world. Nothing must hinder the advancement of the festival and by extension Yoruba tradition."
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, addressing tourists and traditionalists within the groove, affirmed his administration's commitment to utilizing the Osun-Osogbo festival for state development.
