Osun Man Dies in Brawl Over N8,000 Festival Proceeds

In Ilare town, Osun State, a tragic incident unfolded during the Egungun festival, where a dispute over a mere N8,000 in proceeds from a masquerade procession escalated into fatal violence. The victim, Bukunmi, reportedly died after being stabbed by his friend, Femi, who had initially tried to mediate a disagreement between Bukunmi and another individual, Pelumi.

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At around 7:30pm on Friday, boys in Ilare town were celebrating Egungun festival, and they collected money from people during the celebration. At the end of the procession, the three people who were together in their own group were to share a sum of N8,000 that they had made.

The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, highlights the volatile nature that can sometimes accompany cultural celebrations when tempers flare over financial matters. Eyewitnesses recounted how the three friends, after collecting money during the procession, began to share their earnings, leading to the fatal altercation.

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One Pelumi and Bukunmi, both members of the same family, had a misunderstanding, and Femi intervened and prevailed on the two of them. Suddenly, Bukunmi attacked Femi, who was mediating. He hit him in the mouth, and that angered the mediator, who allegedly stabbed Bukunmi with a knife.

The swift intervention of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives prevented further escalation and led to the suspect's handover to the police. The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect and stated that an investigation is underway to fully unravel the circumstances surrounding Bukunmi's death. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless violence that cut short a life over a trivial sum.

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After the incident, the people around rushed Bukunmi to the hospital. Those at the scene were on the verge of attacking Femi, but some operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps rescued and handed him over to the police in Esa Oke Division.