No fewer than two persons have been confirmed dead, while about 10 houses were razed following a violent clash in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly began after a confrontation between an Islamic scholar, identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man.
Both individuals sustained severe machete injuries during the altercation and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Sources revealed that the Islamic scholar was declared dead on arrival, while the other victim later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care.
The situation, however, escalated into widespread violence as some aggrieved youths allegedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased Fulani man, and set it ablaze in a retaliatory act.
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In a further breakdown of law and order, another passerby was reportedly attacked and burnt by the mob during the unrest.
The violence extended to property destruction, with at least 10 houses belonging to members of the Fulani community set on fire, including the residence of a local Fulani leader.
Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were swiftly deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
Authorities have condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and a serious violation of the rule of law. An investigation has been launched, with assurances that those responsible for the violence will be apprehended and prosecuted.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the situation as efforts continue to maintain peace in the affected community.
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