Osun State Police Command is investigating the death of Timileyin Oni, 19, who was shot and killed in Ijebu-Jesa on Monday night. Three other people were wounded in the same attack at T&K Junction.
Police say no arrests have been made yet, but anti-cultism operatives are working to identify those responsible for the shooting.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 11 p.m. on Monday and found Oni lying at the scene. He was rushed to hospital but doctors confirmed he was dead.
The police public relations officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the victim had a suspected gunshot wound to the head. His body has been taken to the mortuary and his family notified.
Three other victims are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack. Detectives have begun investigations into what happened.
According to Oni's father, the young man was returning from church when he was attacked. Police believe the incident may be linked to cult activities.
"There was a warning issued by the police yesterday against celebrating 7/7 by cultists, and from all indications, it is cult-related," Ojelabi said. "No arrest has been made as we speak, but the anti-cultism unit has been drafted to the area."
The shooting has sparked political tension between the ruling Accord party and the opposition All Progressives Congress over who was responsible.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, posted on social media accusing armed thugs of carrying out the attack and blamed APC members. He wrote that the gunmen "drove into Ijebu-Jesa and started firing sporadically."
"An innocent young man has been killed, four others have been injured, and the entire town has been thrown into panic," Olajengbesi said. "This is a stain on our democracy and a shame on Nigeria as a nation."
He added that he didn't support violence and condemned those who believe "the path to power must be paved with the blood of innocent people."
However, Olubunmi Obeisun, chairman of Oriade Local Government, denied the allegations in a statement issued through his media aide, Olayinka Awoyemi. He said there was no evidence linking the APC to the shooting.
Obeisun cited an account from one of the injured survivors, Oginni Olamide Oluwole, who told authorities what happened. According to the statement, Oluwole said he and others had stopped to buy sachet water while heading to church.
Two men on motorcycles allegedly opened fire on them without warning. The victims ran into a nearby shop to escape, but one of the gunmen chased them and kept shooting.
Timileyin Oni was killed and others, including Oluwole, were wounded during the attack. Oluwole reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his hand.
