Culture-dependent and molecular characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci from clinical, food, and water samples across Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

•The occurrence and upsurge in the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) is worrisome and of dire public health significance.•This study reveals the presence of not so commonly reported Enterococci species (E. durans, E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum, E. avium, and E. hirae)•VRE species that harbored vanA, vanB, or vanC genes occurred not only in the clinical setting but also in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods as well as potable water.•A high level of vanC carriage was observed which to the best of our knowledge is the first report of vanC carriage by VRE strains in Southwest Nigeria.•This finding possibly indicates epidemiological dynamics in VRE isolates across samples within the study region.