The Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in a violent clash in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area, which left two people dead and about 10 buildings destroyed.
According to a statement by the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident began after a confrontation between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both sustained machete injuries. Ilyasu was later confirmed dead on arrival at a hospital, while the other man also died while receiving treatment.
The situation escalated when some youths reportedly stormed the hospital, took away the corpse of the deceased suspect, and set it ablaze. Another passerby was also attacked and burnt during the unrest, further worsening the violence in the community.
Police said the violence led to the destruction of about 10 buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan. Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were later deployed to restore calm in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the attacks and warned against jungle justice, stressing that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. He added that investigations are ongoing and assured that those responsible will be arrested and prosecuted.
