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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Two killed, 10 houses razed after clash in Kwara community

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • - Two people were killed and approximately 10 houses were burned down in Ilesha Baruba, Kwara State, following a violent clash that began after an altercation involving an Islamic scholar.
  • The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident involved mob violence, arson, and extrajudicial killings.
  • The crisis escalated after youths reportedly seized a corpse and set it ablaze, leading to further retaliatory attacks.

A violent clash in Ilesha Baruba, located in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the destruction of about 10 houses on Saturday. The incident, described by the Kwara State Police Command as mob violence, arson, and extrajudicial killings, was triggered by an altercation between an Islamic scholar 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.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiKwara State Police Command spokesperson detailing the initial incident.

According to police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the initial conflict led to severe machete injuries for both parties involved. They were rushed to the hospital, where Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, the Islamic scholar, was confirmed dead on arrival. The assailant also succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The police statement detailed that the deaths sparked reprisals from some youths.

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.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiKwara State Police Command spokesperson on the outcome of the initial altercation.

In a disturbing escalation, the police reported that irate youths stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased assailant, and set it ablaze, rather than allowing the legal process to unfold. The violence continued as the mob allegedly attacked another passerby, setting him on fire. The homes of several members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan, were also burned.

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.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiKwara State Police Command spokesperson describing the escalation of violence.

Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were deployed to the community to restore order. Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi condemned the incident, labeling the attacks as "criminal, barbaric, and a direct affront to the rule of law." He confirmed that investigations are underway, and those involved will be arrested and prosecuted.

In a further display of lawlessness, the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiKwara State Police Command spokesperson on additional violence during the clash.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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