One witness said the ruffians, who likewise run as land grabbers, were told to stop extorting workers at the site by some believed cultists, stated to be relations of the house owner.

File image As many as five locals of Ilesa, Osun State, have been killed during clashes between 2 rival cult groups and thought land grabbers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fight started on Friday afternoon after some youths, suspected to be cult members, stormed a new building that was being roofed at Omi-Tuntun area of Ilesa and demanded money from employees at the site.

One witness, Mr Bisi Oyetade, informed NAN that the hooligans, who also operate as land grabbers, were told to stop extorting employees at the site by some suspected cultists, stated to be relations of your home owner.

Oyetade narrated that a clash broke out following the altercation and a suspected cultist was subdued, dragged to the bush and hacked to death by the gang securing the new building.

He stated the hooligans regrouped in the evening and avenged the death of their associate. The group stormed Ijoka Area of Ilesa and killed another suspected cultist.

He included that in a bid to eliminate their opponents, an innocent female was shot dead by the warring cultists on Friday night.

According to him, the rampaging youths resumed their hostilities on Saturday and wound up eliminating 2 innocent homeowners.

The police have because introduced an intensive manhunt for the suspects while some patrol vans of Ijamo and Ayeso Police Divisions in Ilesa were seen patrolling the town to restore peace and order.

All efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dsp Yemisi Opalola, on the matter showed abortive.