The Osun State Police Command has opened an investigation into the killing of a former National Union of Road Transport Workers unit chairman, Kazeem Oyewole, who was reportedly hacked to death by suspected hoodlums in Osogbo on Sunday.
Oyewole’s murder sparked tension across major motor parks in the state capital, with individuals believed to be his associates said to be combing parks and adjoining streets in search of those implicated in the attack.
The deceased, who previously served as a part-time chairman of the Aregbe Unit of the NURTW between 2018 and 2022, was reportedly waylaid around Elelede Junction on Sunday afternoon.
Details of the confrontation remained sketchy as of press time.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity described the scene as chaotic, alleging that a group of young men had mounted an illegal toll point at the junction, allegedly demanding money from motorists and pedestrians under the guise of raising funds for a carnival.
He said trouble began after a motorcycle conveying two passengers arrived at the spot and was stopped by the group.
“They forced the riders down, and a scuffle started.
I heard gunshots before they later confirmed one of the men was Kazeem,” the resident said, adding that the attackers used large stones on the victim’s head. “He died instantly.
The second person fled with injuries. Those boys ran off before the police came.”
A shop owner in the area, identified simply as Basira, told our correspondent that business activities halted abruptly as residents scampered for safety.
She added that some union members later arrived and confirmed the victim’s identity.
Our correspondent observed noticeable unease around Old Garage and the Aregbe parks on Sunday evening, with commuters steering clear of the areas for fear of reprisal attacks.
Groups of suspected thugs were also sighted lurking around some parks.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the killing, saying operatives were deployed immediately after receiving the distress report. “One person was confirmed dead.
He was identified as Kazeem. Other details yet unknown. Investigation has commenced,” he said.
Ojelabi noted that officers would continue to monitor motor parks to forestall escalation.
“We are watching the situation and maintaining surveillance at the parks for now,” he added.
Oyewole’s killing adds to a worrisome pattern of violent incidents involving transport union figures in the state.
On November 27, 2025, another NURTW leader, Adeboye Ademoroti, was gunned down by unknown assailants in Ilesa, a case still under investigation.