Masquerade Tragedy: One Dies in Osun Over ₦8,000 Festival Proceeds

ILARE — What began as a traditional celebration in Ilare, Osun State, turned into a tragedy on Friday evening when a member of a masquerade procession, identified as Bukunmi, lost his life following a violent dispute over the sharing of ₦8,000.

​The victim was reportedly stabbed to death by a companion who had initially stepped in to settle a quarrel between Bukunmi and another relative.

​Fatal Mediation

​According to eyewitnesses who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the incident occurred around 7:30 pm after the group concluded their Egungun festival procession through the town. The three men—Bukunmi, Femi, and Pelumi—had gathered to divide the day’s earnings, totaling ₦8,000.

​Trouble started when a misunderstanding broke out between Bukunmi and Pelumi, who are said to be members of the same family. Femi, the third member of the group, reportedly attempted to intervene to prevent a physical confrontation.

​”Femi was only trying to mediate between the two relatives,” one witness said. “Suddenly, Bukunmi turned on him and hit him in the mouth. Angered by the assault, Femi allegedly drew a knife and stabbed Bukunmi.”

​Police Intervention

​The situation nearly escalated further as an angry mob gathered to attack Femi. However, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrived at the scene promptly, rescuing the suspect and handing him over to the police at the Esa Oke Division.

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​Bukunmi was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead from the injuries sustained during the attack.

​Official Confirmation

​Confirming the incident on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the suspect is currently in custody.

​”We are aware of the incident, and the suspect is with us. The corpse has been deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy. Investigation is ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding this death,” Ojelabi said.

​The police have recovered the knife used in the incident as an exhibit.