- Mob Burns Corpse, Attacks Passerby, Razes Fulani Homes
- Commissioner Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Act
- 10 Buildings Burnt
Tension gripped Ilesha Baruba in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State after angry residents allegedly burned the remains of a Fulani man and set several properties ablaze following a violent altercation that claimed two lives.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident, which has sparked concerns over possible ethnic tensions in the area, involved an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu, and a yet to be identified Fulani man.
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According to the Kwara State Police Command, both men sustained severe injuries during the altercation and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, disclosed that Mohammed Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the Fulani man later died while receiving medical attention.
She explained that shortly after news of their deaths spread, some angry youths reportedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased Fulani man and set it ablaze.
The situation further degenerated as the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire.
The violence also extended to properties belonging to members of the Fulani community, with about ten buildings reportedly razed, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan.
The police said security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and military operatives, were immediately deployed to the community to restore law and order and prevent further escalation.
The command also confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings, arson, and other criminal acts committed during the unrest.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, strongly condemned the violence, describing the actions of the mob as criminal, barbaric, and a direct attack on 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 commissioner appealed to residents to remain peaceful, avoid reprisals, and allow security agencies to carry out their lawful duties.
Authorities have assured residents that those involved in the violence will be brought to justice as investigations continue.
