Two persons have been confirmed dead while no fewer than 10 houses were burnt following a violent outbreak in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday.
The incident, which degenerated into mob action and widespread arson, was reportedly triggered by a confrontation involving an Islamic cleric and a Fulani man, both of whom later died from machete-inflicted injuries.
The Kwara State Police Command, which confirmed the development on Sunday, described the incident as a case of mob violence, arson, and extrajudicial attacks.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, preliminary findings showed that the crisis began after a violent altercation between an Islamic scholar, identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man.
“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.
She explained that both men were rushed to hospital but were later confirmed dead.
“Sadly, Mohammed Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival, while the assailant also succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment,” the police spokesperson added.
However, tensions escalated after news of the deaths filtered into the community, as some angry youths reportedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased, and set it ablaze.
The police further disclosed that the violence spiralled out of control, with another passerby attacked and set on fire during the unrest.
“In a further display of lawlessness, the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
The unrest also led to the burning of about 10 houses 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 the area to restore calm.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
“The acts are criminal, barbaric, and a direct affront to the rule of law,” he said, adding that investigations had commenced and assured that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
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