Man dies after dispute over N8,000 masquerade proceeds in Osun

A disagreement over N8,000 earned during a procession in Ilare community, Osun State, has left one man dead following a violent confrontation among three participants in the event.

The incident occurred on Friday evening after activities marking the Egungun Festival, when three participants identified as Bukunmi, Femi, and Pelumi reportedly attempted to share money collected from spectators during the procession.

Eyewitness accounts said the group had raised N8,000, but disagreement broke out during the sharing process.

According to one witness, the dispute began between Bukunmi and Pelumi, who are said to be related. Femi reportedly tried to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating.

“Femi tried to calm them down, but Bukunmi suddenly attacked him and hit him in the mouth,” the witness said.

The confrontation reportedly escalated, and Femi allegedly stabbed Bukunmi with a knife during the altercation.

Residents at the scene rushed Bukunmi to a nearby hospital, while tensions rose in the area as some persons attempted to retaliate against the suspect.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps intervened and took Femi into custody before handing him over to the police at the Esa-Oke Division. The situation was brought under control shortly after.

It was later confirmed that Bukunmi died from injuries sustained in the incident. The knife used in the attack was recovered by the police.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development, saying an investigation had begun.

“The suspect is in custody. The body has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy, and investigation is ongoing,” he said.