A disagreement over the sharing of ₦8,000 realised during an Egungun festival procession in Ilare, Osun State, has reportedly claimed the life of a man identified simply as Bukunmi.

The incident occurred on Friday evening after three participants in the masquerade procession allegedly fell out while sharing money generated during the celebration.

Eyewitnesses told journalists that the deceased, alongside two others identified as Femi and Pelumi, had joined the procession before later gathering to divide the proceeds.

According to sources in the community, trouble started when an argument broke out between Bukunmi and Pelumi over the sharing formula.

One of the eyewitnesses said Femi attempted to settle the disagreement but was allegedly attacked by Bukunmi during the intervention.

“At around 7:30pm on Friday, some boys in Ilare town were celebrating the Egungun festival and collecting money from residents during the procession,” the source said.

“After the celebration, the three of them gathered to share the ₦8,000 they realised. Pelumi and Bukunmi, who are from the same family, started arguing and Femi stepped in to prevent a fight.

“Suddenly, Bukunmi allegedly attacked Femi and hit him in the mouth. In anger, Femi reportedly stabbed him with a knife.”

The witness added that residents quickly rushed the injured victim to a hospital, while some youths attempted to attack the suspect before operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps intervened and handed him over to the police.

The victim was later confirmed dead from injuries sustained during the altercation.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was in police custody.

“We are aware of the incident. The suspect is with the police,” Ojelabi said.

“The corpse has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.

“We have to follow due process to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death,” he added.