The Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for individuals involved in a violent reprisal attack that left two people dead and about 10 houses destroyed in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on May 30, 2026, reportedly stemmed from a bloody machete confrontation between an unidentified Fulani man and a prominent Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, which resulted in both men being rushed to the hospital. The cleric was confirmed dead on arrival. The suspected attacker later died while receiving medical attention.
The situation then escalated when some aggrieved youths forcefully took away the corpse of the deceased suspect from the hospital and set it ablaze. The mob was also accused of lynching a passerby, and further setting ablaze about 10 buildings in the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan.
Confirming the incident, in a statement issued in Ilorin on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, noted that a combined team of police officers and military personnel was immediately deployed to the area following reports of the unrest.
He disclosed that investigations had commenced, and assured residents that everyone involved in the unlawful killings, arson, and destruction of property, would be brought to justice.
He further appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and avoid actions capable of triggering further violence or ethnic reprisals.
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