Osun man stabbed to death over sharing of ₦8,000 masquerade proceeds

A disagreement over the sharing of ₦8,000 realised during an Egungun festival procession in Ilare, Osun State, has reportedly led to the death of a man identified simply as Bukunmi.

The incident occurred on Friday evening after three participants in the masquerade procession  Bukunmi, Femi and Pelumi gathered to share proceeds made during the celebration.

Eyewitnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said tension erupted during the sharing of the money, leading to a confrontation among the trio.

“One Pelumi and Bukunmi, who are from the same family, started arguing during the sharing of the money. Femi tried to settle the dispute and stop the fight,” an eyewitness said.

The source added that the situation later turned violent when Bukunmi allegedly attacked Femi, hitting him in the mouth.

“Femi became angry after being attacked and allegedly stabbed Bukunmi with a knife,” the witness added.

Bukunmi was reportedly rushed to a hospital by residents but later died from injuries sustained during the altercation.

The suspect, identified as Femi, was said to have been rescued from an angry mob by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps before being handed over to the police at the Esa Oke Division.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said the suspect was in police custody while investigations had commenced.

“The corpse has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy, while investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” she said.