Cleric’s Killing Sparks Violence, Displacement in Kwara Community

A respected Islamic cleric, Alfa Iliasu, has been killed in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, triggering unrest that left several properties destroyed and residents displaced.

Community leaders said the cleric was attacked with a cutlass during Quranic lessons at his residence on Saturday morning. He was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

Authorities said details surrounding the incident remain unclear, although reports suggest the suspected attacker was apprehended shortly after the assault. The suspect was later allegedly lynched by an angry mob after being taken into police custody.

The Emir of Ilesha-Baruba, Alhaji Halidu Abubakar, confirmed the incident and said traditional and religious leaders intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. He noted that despite appeals for calm, some youths reportedly vandalized and destroyed properties before security operatives restored order.

The Seriki Fulani of Ilesha-Baruba, Ardo Muhammed Abdullahi, alleged that innocent residents became victims of the violence that followed. He said three of his houses were burnt and claimed that members of his family were forced to flee for safety.

According to him, the unrest extended beyond those directly connected to the attack, affecting long-time residents and raising fears of growing tensions within the community.

Local authorities and security agencies are continuing investigations into both the killing of the cleric and the subsequent violence, while community leaders have called for restraint and peaceful coexistence among residents.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share