The Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in a series of reprisal attacks, arson and extra-judicial killings in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on May 30, followed a violent altercation between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both men sustained severe machete injuries.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, both victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment. However, Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival, while the other man later died while receiving medical attention.
The police said some angry youths subsequently stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased suspect and set it ablaze.
The mob was also accused of attacking another man passing through the area and burning him to death.
The statement further disclosed that about 10 buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan, were set on fire during the violence.
Following reports of the incident, police personnel and military operatives were deployed to the area, restoring calm and preventing further escalation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the attacks, describing them as criminal, barbaric and a violation of the rule of law.
He stressed that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances surrounding any incident.
The police said a full-scale investigation was underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the reprisal attacks, arson and unlawful killings.
Adekimi urged residents to remain peaceful, avoid actions capable of triggering ethnic reprisals and allow security agencies to carry out their duties.
He also reassured all communities in the area of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that justice is served.
