The management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has ordered the immediate closure of the institution following a violent clash between suspected cult groups near the school’s main gate on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The incident, which left one person critically injured and sparked panic among students and staff, prompted authorities to place the institution on a one-week mid-semester break and indefinitely postpone the matriculation ceremony earlier scheduled for Thursday, April 10.
According to eyewitness footage shared online, a man dressed in a white shirt was seen assaulting another individual with a hammer while others looked on, underscoring the brutality of the clash. Sources identified the critically injured victim as an ex-student of the institution who completed his National Diploma two years ago. At least three others reportedly sustained injuries, including one hit by stray bullets.
Confirming the incident, Dr. Tope Abiola, Dean of Students Affairs, stated that gunshots were heard within the campus during the clash. “One person was critically injured, and one of the other injured persons was hit by stray bullets,” he said.
Police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Osun State Command were quickly deployed to the scene to restore calm. The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that those injured were currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the crisis, the school’s registrar, Abiodun Oloyede, issued an internal memo on Wednesday announcing the temporary closure of the campus from April 10 to April 16. The memo noted that the decision was also influenced by appeals from students who had yet to complete their school fee payments and registration processes.
“Consequently, the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 Academic Session, earlier scheduled to hold tomorrow, Thursday, April 10, 2025, has been postponed. A new date shall be announced in due course,” the memo stated.
Students have been urged to use the break to complete all pending administrative requirements, with management warning that no further extensions will be granted.
