At least five people are feared dead following a violent clash involving suspected political thugs at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

The victims were reportedly made up of three commercial bus drivers and two passersby, according to a witness who spoke to SaharaReporters. The confrontation reportedly erupted on Monday amid a dispute over control of the motor park, with rival groups allegedly linked to political interests engaging in violence.

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The witness alleged that the crisis began shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the result of the Osun governorship election, claiming that rival groups subsequently attempted to take control of motor parks in different parts of the state. According to the source, the violence was not restricted to Ikire but also affected motor parks in Iwo and Osogbo.

“We cannot really say whether it was APC or Accord thugs that caused the killings, but what was certain was that they were political thugs,” the witness said.

The source alleged that groups loyal to different political interests had been involved in a struggle for control of motor parks before and after the election. He claimed that suspected Accord supporters moved into some parks after the election, while rival groups subsequently attempted to reclaim control.

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The witness further alleged that the Monday attacks were part of a coordinated confrontation involving motor park leadership and local government-related disputes.

“Both the issue of motor park leadership and the local government issues caused this morning’s attacks and killings. It happened around the same time across the state, including Ikire, Iwo and Osogbo,” he alleged.

He described the Ikire incident as particularly violent, saying he narrowly escaped from the scene when the confrontation began.

There were also reports that the Ikire Divisional Police Officer, Olatona Bamidele, visited the garage during the incident. Allegations circulating in connection with the confrontation claimed that the DPO went to clear the road and provide access for suspected political thugs allegedly led by an individual identified as Ojuyobo. These allegations have not been independently verified.

A video reportedly circulated from the scene appeared to show at least two bodies lying on the ground, with one victim apparently sustaining a gunshot injury to the head.

The reported deaths come amid heightened concerns over post-election violence in Osun State, with the state government recently warning against attempts by political actors to ignite fresh crises in local government areas and motor parks.

Authorities have yet to officially confirm the reported death toll or publicly establish responsibility for the violence. Further investigation will be required to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.