The Osun State Polytechnic, Esa-Oke (OSPOLY Esa-Oke) has been thrown into mourning following the tragic killing of two students in a violent clash between rival cult groups. The incident, which occurred between September 22 and 23, 2025, has once again drawn attention to the persistent menace of cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
This shocking development not only cut short the lives of two young Nigerians but also raised pressing concerns about student safety, campus security, and the urgent need to curb cult-related violence in polytechnics and universities across the country.
Details of the Cult Clash at Osun State Polytechnic Esa-Oke
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the clash started during a sign-out celebration for graduating students. What began as a supposed joyous event for final-year students quickly turned into a battlefield when rival cult members reportedly engaged in violent confrontation.
- First Victim Identified: One of the deceased was identified as Taoreed, a fresh graduate of Osun Poly. He had just collected his NYSC call-up letter on September 22, 2025. Sadly, he was killed by a stray bullet the following day, just when his future was about to begin.
- Second Victim: The other victim was a current undergraduate of Osun Poly, whose identity was yet to be officially disclosed at the time of reporting.
Reports confirmed that while one of the victims died instantly during the gun battle, the second was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to injuries.
Police and Security Response
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that:
- One of the students died on the spot, while the other died in the hospital.
- Security operatives have been deployed to restore peace in Esa-Oke.
- Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the cultists responsible for the violence.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) assured that efforts are in place to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while also urging students to stay away from cultism and violent associations.
Cultism in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
The Osun Poly cult clash is not an isolated case. Cult-related violence has been a recurring challenge in Nigerian universities and polytechnics for decades. Rival cult groups often engage in violent attacks over supremacy battles, territorial disputes, and revenge missions, leaving innocent students and even members of the host community as victims.
Key issues surrounding cultism in Nigeria include:
- Recruitment of new students (freshers) into cult groups.
- Violence during social events such as sign-outs, matriculation, or campus parties.
- Spread of cult activities beyond campus into host communities.
- Loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of academic activities.
This latest incident at Osun State Polytechnic Esa-Oke shows the urgent need for stronger anti-cultism campaigns, campus security strategies, and community policing to protect students.
Reactions to the Osun Poly Cult Clash
The killings sparked widespread anger and sorrow among students, lecturers, and residents of Esa-Oke.
- Many students expressed fear and concern for their safety, noting that cult groups have continued to operate with impunity.
- Parents and guardians have called on the Osun State Government and the management of OSPOLY Esa-Oke to introduce stricter measures against cult activities on campus.
- Human rights advocates and education stakeholders have emphasized the importance of proactive intervention, counseling services, and strict enforcement of anti-cult laws.
Implications for Osun State Polytechnic Students
The tragedy highlights the dire implications of unchecked cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions:
- Loss of Innocent Lives – promising youths like Taoreed who was preparing for NYSC lost his life to violence.
- Campus Insecurity – fear among students and disruption of academic activities.
- Community Tension – Esa-Oke residents are left traumatized by constant gun battles.
- Reputational Damage – negative image for Osun Poly and Osun State as a whole.
Preventing Future Cult Clashes in Osun Poly and Other Schools
To stop a repeat of the Osun Poly cult clash, stakeholders must take deliberate actions:
- Stronger Security Presence: Increased surveillance, especially during student events like sign-out celebrations.
- Enforcement of Anti-Cultism Laws: Arrest and prosecution of cultists to serve as deterrence.
- Community Policing: Collaboration between school authorities, local vigilantes, and law enforcement agencies.
- Counseling & Sensitization: Educating students about the dangers of cultism.
- Engagement of Student Leaders: Involving SUG and associations in anti-cult awareness campaigns.
FAQs on Osun Poly Cult Clash
1. What happened at Osun State Polytechnic Esa-Oke?
Two students were killed in a violent clash between rival cult groups during a sign-out celebration.
2. Who were the victims of the Osun Poly clash?
One victim, Taoreed, was a fresh graduate who had just collected his NYSC call-up letter. The other was an undergraduate student.
3. When did the incident occur?
The cult clash happened between September 22 and 23, 2025.
4. What is the response of the police?
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.
5. What can be done to prevent cult clashes in Nigerian schools?
Improved security, strict enforcement of anti-cult laws, community policing, and continuous student sensitization are crucial steps.
Conclusion
The Osun Poly cult clash in Esa-Oke that claimed the lives of two young students is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions. What should have been a moment of celebration turned into a day of mourning.
As the authorities continue investigations, it is important for government, school management, security agencies, parents, and students to unite in the fight against cultism. Education should remain a pathway to growth and nation-building, not a battleground where innocent lives are cut short.
