Two people were killed, and about 10 houses were burnt in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday, after a violent clash involving an Islamic scholar triggered mob attacks in the community.
- +Two killed, 10 houses razed after clash in Kwara community
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, describing it as mob violence, arson and extrajudicial killings.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, describing it as mob violence, arson and extrajudicial killings.
According to the police, the crisis began after an altercation between an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man, during which both sustained machete injuries.
Both men were taken to hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.
“Investigations revealed that a violent altercation occurred between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Alh Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both parties sustained severe machete injuries,” she said.
“They were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Sadly, Mohammed Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival, while the assailant also succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.”
The police said the deaths triggered reprisals by some youths, who stormed the hospital, took the corpse of the deceased assailant and set it ablaze.
“Rather than allowing the law to take its course, some irate youths reportedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased assailant, and set it ablaze,” the spokesperson said.
She added that another passerby was attacked and set on fire during the violence.
“In a further display of lawlessness, the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire,” she said.
About 10 houses belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan, were also burnt.
Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were deployed to restore order, the command said.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the incident, describing the attacks as criminal and barbaric.
“The acts are criminal, barbaric, and a direct affront to the rule of law,” he said.
He added that investigations had begun and warned that those involved would be arrested and prosecuted.
