Police Launch Investigation After Former Osun NURTW Unit Chairman Is Killed

The Osun State Police Command has opened a formal investigation into the killing of a former unit chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kazeem Oyewole, who was reportedly attacked and killed by suspected hoodlums in Osogbo on Sunday.

Following the incident, anxiety and unrest spread across several motor parks within the Osogbo metropolis. Reports indicated that individuals believed to be close associates of the deceased moved around major motor parks, allegedly searching for those thought to be responsible for Oyewole’s death. This development heightened fears of possible retaliation and further violence.

Kazeem Oyewole previously served as the part-time chairman of the NURTW Aregbe Unit between 2018 and 2022. According to available information, he was attacked in the afternoon near Elelede Junction. As of the time of filing this report, the precise circumstances that led to his killing had not been fully established by authorities.

A resident who witnessed parts of the incident from a distance, and who asked to remain anonymous due to security concerns, narrated the events to PUNCH Metro. The resident explained that a group of hoodlums had positioned themselves around Elelede Junction, where they were allegedly collecting money from people passing through the area. According to the witness, the group claimed the money was being raised for a proposed carnival.

The witness further stated that while this activity was ongoing, a motorcycle carrying two individuals arrived at the junction. The hoodlums reportedly stopped the motorcycle and forced both passengers to get down before confronting them violently.

According to the eyewitness, gunshots were heard during the confrontation. It was later discovered that one of the individuals being attacked was Kazeem Oyewole.

The resident said that after the gunshots, the attackers brought large stones and repeatedly struck the head of the man identified as Kazeem. He was said to have died instantly at the scene. The second passenger, however, managed to escape despite sustaining an open injury. Shortly after the attack, the hoodlums reportedly fled the area before security personnel arrived.

A shop owner operating near Elelede Junction, who identified herself simply as Basira, confirmed that normal business activities in the area were suddenly halted due to the violence. She said traders and residents were thrown into panic following the incident.

Basira explained that members of the NURTW who arrived after the incident later identified the deceased as Kazeem Oyewole. She added that he was known to have served as a former part-time chairman of an NURTW unit along the Osogbo–Gbongan Road, located in the Aregbe area.

Later in the day, a correspondent who monitored developments at the Old Garage and Aregbe motor parks observed that many residents avoided the parks entirely. The fear of possible reprisals kept commuters and traders away, while the presence of suspected hoodlums was also noticed around the vicinity, further increasing tension.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that the command had commenced an investigation into the killing. He explained that police officers were immediately deployed to the location after receiving the report, but one person had already been confirmed dead upon their arrival.

According to Ojelabi, the deceased was identified as Kazeem, while his other name was not immediately known. He confirmed that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.

When asked whether additional security personnel had been deployed to motor parks to prevent the situation from escalating, the police spokesperson said the command was closely monitoring developments. He added that security operatives would continue to observe activities around the motor parks for the time being.

The killing of Oyewole adds to a growing list of violent incidents involving NURTW leaders in Osun State. On November 27, 2025, another prominent NURTW figure, Adeboye Ademoroti, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Ilesa.

Although the details surrounding Ademoroti’s killing were also unclear, security sources disclosed that he and another individual were attacked by armed assailants in the Olomilagbala area of Ilesa. The attackers reportedly opened fire, resulting in his death.