The Osun State Police Command has confirmed a shooting incident around the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Monday, August 24, amid reports that several people were killed during a confrontation linked to a dispute over control of the transport facility. However, the police said they had not yet verified the reported casualty figure.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that officers were aware of the shooting and were gathering information about what happened.
He said the command could only confirm that shootings occurred around the area, while investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were casualties.
Reports circulating on social media claimed that five people were killed, including three commercial bus drivers and two passersby. However, these claims had not been independently verified at the time of the report.
The incident has reportedly heightened concerns in Ikire, particularly amid tensions surrounding the control and management of transport garages in parts of Osun State.
The development comes shortly after the state’s governorship election, which has been followed by political and grassroots disputes in some areas.
According to reports, disagreements over transport unions, garages and other local structures have contributed to tensions between rival political interests in the state.
The Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire was reportedly at the centre of the latest confrontation.
Security authorities are expected to intensify their presence in the area as efforts continue to establish exactly what triggered the shooting.
The police have urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct their investigations.
The command is also expected to determine whether the incident was politically motivated, related to a dispute involving transport groups or resulted from another form of disagreement.
At the time of reporting, there was no official confirmation from the police that five people had died.
The police’s cautious position is significant because unverified casualty figures can create additional tension, particularly in communities already experiencing political or social disagreements.
Residents are therefore expected to rely on information released by the police and other authorised authorities as investigations continue.
The incident adds to recent security concerns in Osun State, where violent confrontations have been reported during the period surrounding the 2026 governorship election. Earlier in July, the police confirmed a separate attack in Osogbo in which two people were killed and several others injured.
Authorities will now be expected to establish the facts surrounding the latest Ikire incident and determine whether any arrests are necessary.
Further updates are expected from the Osun State Police Command as more information becomes available.
