Three persons have been killed and about 10 buildings razed following a violent communal clash in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, saying investigations had commenced and efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
According to the police, the violence was triggered by a confrontation between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu. Both men reportedly sustained machete wounds during the altercation and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Police said Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the other man later died while receiving medical attention.
The situation reportedly escalated when some youths stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased suspect and set it ablaze.
In the ensuing unrest, another man who was passing through the area was allegedly attacked and burnt to death by the mob, bringing the death toll from the incident to three.
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The police further disclosed that about 10 buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community were set ablaze during the violence. Among the affected properties was the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan.
Following the outbreak of violence, security operatives comprising police officers and military personnel were deployed to the community to restore order. Authorities said normalcy had since returned to the area.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the killings and destruction of property, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed that grievances should be addressed through lawful means and assured residents that all those involved in the violence would be brought to justice.
The police command said investigations were ongoing and urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the community.
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