The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a violent clash involving rival groups in Osogbo, which resulted in the death of a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The incident occurred on Sunday around the Orita-Elelede axis of Osogbo and reportedly caused panic among residents, disrupting commercial and transportation activities in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the victim, Oyebamiji Quzeem, popularly known as Mosquito, was riding a motorcycle with another individual when they were allegedly chased by suspected gang members, also on motorcycles.

According to accounts, the pursuit ended near Elelede Junction, where the attackers reportedly forced the victims to dismount before assaulting them.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the assailants attacked the men with dangerous weapons, including machetes.

“One of them was repeatedly struck and collapsed at the scene, while the other managed to escape despite sustaining serious injuries,” the witness said.

Another source familiar with the area disclosed that the attack threw the neighbourhood into chaos, with traders shutting their shops and commuters fleeing as rumours of possible reprisals spread.

It was further gathered that the deceased was linked to a faction associated with a former NURTW leader in the state, suggesting the clash may be connected to ongoing internal union rivalries.

Following the killing, activities around several major motor parks in Osogbo reportedly declined, as transport workers and passengers stayed away over fears of further violence.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives were promptly deployed to the area after receiving reports of the attack.

“We received information about the incident at Orita-Elelede and immediately deployed officers to the scene,” Ojelabi said. “One person was confirmed dead, while another sustained injuries. The Commissioner of Police has been briefed, and investigation is ongoing.”

He added that police patrols had been intensified around motor parks and other identified flashpoints in Osogbo to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, police had not publicly identified any suspects or established the exact motive behind the attack.

Unofficial reports claimed that the number of fatalities may have risen to three, but this could not be independently verified.