Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in a violent attack that left two people dead and destroyed about 10 buildings in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area, on May 31, 2026. The incident, which erupted following a clash between an unidentified Fulani man and Islamic scholar Mohammed Ilyasu, quickly escalated into widespread violence. Both men sustained machete injuries during the initial confrontation, with Ilyasu confirmed dead on arrival at a hospital, while the other man later died during treatment.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the situation worsened when a group of youths stormed the hospital where the injured Fulani man was being treated. The mob seized the body of the deceased suspect and set it ablaze. In a further act of violence, another man who was merely passing through the area was also attacked and burnt by the same group. The attack left the community in chaos and raised serious concerns over security and communal harmony in the region.
The violence extended beyond human casualties, as approximately 10 buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community were razed. Among the destroyed properties was the residence of Alhaji Hassan, the Ardo Fulani, a traditional leader in the community. The destruction has left many families displaced and the area in a state of unrest. Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were swiftly deployed to the scene to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, issued a strong condemnation of the attacks, emphasizing that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. He warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and threaten public safety. “No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands irrespective of the circumstances surrounding any incident,” the commissioner stated, underscoring the importance of due process.
The police command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that all those involved in the attacks will be apprehended and prosecuted. Authorities are also working to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators, with a focus on preventing future outbreaks of violence. The incident has drawn attention to the need for improved community policing and conflict resolution mechanisms in rural areas of Kwara State.
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The government and security agencies are committed to ensuring justice and restoring peace in Ilesha Baruba and surrounding communities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked communal tensions and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution.
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