Tension gripped Ilesha Baruba in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State after the killing of a respected Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, triggered a wave of violent reprisals that left properties destroyed and the community in shock.
The incident reportedly began after a violent confrontation between the cleric and an unidentified Fulani man. Both men sustained serious machete injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Sadly, Ilyasu was pronounced dead on arrival, while the alleged attacker later died from injuries suffered during the clash.
Angry Youths Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
News of the cleric’s death quickly spread across the community, sparking outrage among some youths.
According to reports, angry residents stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the suspected attacker, and set it ablaze.
The violence reportedly escalated further when another individual passing through the area was attacked and burned by the mob. Authorities are yet to determine the identity of the victim or whether he had any connection to the earlier incident.
Buildings Set Ablaze
In the aftermath of the unrest, several buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community were reportedly destroyed.
Sources said about ten structures, including the residence of the local Fulani leader, were set on fire as tensions escalated.
The development has raised concerns over possible ethnic reprisals and further violence within the community.
Police Launch Investigation
The Kwara State Police Command has condemned the attacks, describing the actions as criminal and unlawful.
Security operatives, supported by military personnel, were immediately deployed to restore calm and prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.
Authorities say normalcy has largely returned to the area, while security presence has been strengthened.
The police also confirmed that a full-scale investigation is underway and vowed to track down everyone involved in the killings, arson, and other acts of violence.
Call For Peace
Police authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
They assured all communities in the area that justice would be pursued through lawful means and warned against any form of retaliation capable of threatening public peace.
Source: Adapted from a statement by the Kwara State Police Command.
