Two persons lost their lives while no fewer than 10 houses were set ablaze in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, following a violent clash that degenerated into mob attacks and destruction of property on Saturday.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, describing it as a case of mob violence, arson and extrajudicial killings.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the crisis reportedly began after a confrontation between an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man.
According to the police, both men sustained severe machete injuries during the altercation and were rushed to a hospital for treatment. However, Ilyasu was pronounced dead on arrival, while the other victim later died while receiving medical attention.
The command disclosed that news of their deaths triggered unrest in the community, as some youths allegedly stormed the hospital, removed the corpse of the deceased Fulani man and set it on fire.
The situation further escalated when another individual passing through the area was reportedly attacked by the mob and burnt to death.
The violence also led to the destruction of property, with about 10 houses belonging to members of the Fulani community razed. Among the affected buildings was the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan.
Following the unrest, security personnel comprising police officers and military operatives were deployed to the area to restore normalcy and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the killings and destruction, describing the actions of the mob as unlawful and unacceptable.
He assured residents that investigations had commenced and vowed that all those connected to the violence would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among all communities in the area.
