Two persons have lost their lives while about 10 houses were set ablaze following a violent outbreak in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly escalated into mob action after a confrontation involving an Islamic cleric and a Fulani man turned deadly.
The Kwara State Police Command, in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the development as a case of mob violence, arson, and unlawful killings.
According to the police, the trouble began when an altercation broke out between an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man. Both men sustained severe machete injuries during the clash and were rushed to hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.
The police further explained that the deaths sparked retaliatory attacks by some angry youths who stormed the hospital, removed the corpse of the deceased assailant, and set it on fire.
In the ensuing chaos, another individual who was passing through the area was also attacked and burned by the mob.
The violence later spread, with about 10 houses reportedly belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of their leader, Alhaji Hassan, razed by the attackers.
Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were deployed to restore calm in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the incident, describing the attacks as “criminal and barbaric,” and a clear violation of the rule of law.
He added that investigations had commenced, assuring that all those involved would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.