Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were thrown into panic on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen reportedly fired sporadic gunshots in parts of the city.

Eyewitnesses said the sound of gunfire sent residents, traders, motorists and passersby scampering for safety to avoid being caught in the violence.

As of the time of filing this report, the motive behind the shooting remained unclear, while there was no official confirmation of casualties, injuries or arrests linked to the incident.

The development has heightened concerns over security and political violence in the state, coming amid recent reports of violent incidents in Osogbo and surrounding communities.

When contacted, the Osun State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident and said operatives had been deployed to gather facts.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command could not immediately establish whether the shooting was politically motivated.

“We are aware that there was shooting in some parts of the state, but whether it is branded with whatever party, that is what I don’t know because we have not seen any traces to that. Our control men are out now to gather some facts,” he said. (The PUNCH)