Two people were killed, and about 10 houses were burnt in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday, after a violent clash involving an Islamic scholar triggered mob attacks in the community.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, describing it as mob violence, arson and extrajudicial killings.

According to the police, the crisis began after an altercation between an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, and an unidentified Fulani man, during which both sustained machete injuries.

Both men were taken to hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

“Investigations revealed that a violent altercation occurred between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Alh Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both parties sustained severe machete injuries,” she said.

“They were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Sadly, Mohammed Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival, while the assailant also succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.”

The police said the deaths triggered reprisals by some youths, who stormed the hospital, took the corpse of the deceased assailant and set it ablaze.

“Rather than allowing the law to take its course, some irate youths reportedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased assailant, and set it ablaze,” the spokesperson said.

She added that another passerby was attacked and set on fire during the violence.

“In a further display of lawlessness, the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire,” she said.

About 10 houses belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan, were also burnt.

Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were deployed to restore order, the command said.

Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the incident, describing the attacks as criminal and barbaric.

“The acts are criminal, barbaric, and a direct affront to the rule of law,” he said.

He added that investigations had begun and warned that those involved would be arrested and prosecuted.

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, has called on the people of Adamawa to rededicate themselves to making the state a model of peace and harmonious living.

As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir Sallah, the Governor said peace and harmony are necessary to enjoy the blessings of Allah, which he said abound in Adamawa.

“First, I use this opportunity to wish all Muslims a happy Sallah, and all Nigerians peace.

He noted that Nigerians must rescue the country from the vices threatening to pull it down. He added that the period offers the people another opportunity to submit completely to the will of Allah.

“We must renew our interaction with our fellow human beings and, most essentially, our duties to Allah. We must, therefore, reflect more on the reason for our creation and make moves to be closer to Allah,” he said.

While wishing the residents of the state and all Nigerians an exciting celebration during this occasion of piety and sacrifice, the Governor also urged leaders and followers to hold fast to the tenets of hope, sacrifice, and restoration, as epitomized in the central message of Eid-el-Kabir.

Fintiri said God has been good to the country by preserving peace despite aggressions and vexed issues. Despite unwanted developments, he said Nigerians must remain grateful.

“You must remain grateful for many things—peace, love, and well-being. And so long as there is hope, yesterday’s challenges can become history about how we turned things around,” he said.

“Those things should never overcome us. Being alive means there is a possibility to learn from yesterday, improve upon today, and turn around tomorrow. Builders look to tomorrow, and we must be builders in our minds.”

The Governor, who said his administration’s desire is to build tomorrow today, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their endeavours and prove wrong the cynics who think the country will sink.
Barka Da Sallah!

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results, even as security agencies across the country rolled out massive deployments to ensure peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

In a personally signed Sallah message, Tinubu said the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by his administration over the past three years had stabilised the economy, improved investor confidence, and laid the foundation for job creation and economic growth.

Drawing lessons from Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, the President urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and selflessness.

“As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” Tinubu stated.

He added: “The sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

While acknowledging persistent security threats, including killings and kidnappings by terrorists and bandits, Tinubu reassured citizens that his administration remained determined to defeat criminal elements.

He referenced the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader and urged Nigerians to pray for peace and national unity, warning that criminals must either abandon their evil ways or face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, security agencies nationwide announced heightened security operations ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

In Lagos and Ogun states, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents of watertight security arrangements, directing Commissioners of Police to intensify visibility policing, patrols, intelligence gathering, and traffic management.

In Edo State, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika said no fewer than 6,000 police personnel had been deployed across prayer grounds, highways, markets, motor parks, and recreational centres to forestall criminal activities during the celebrations.

Similarly, Delta State Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi ordered massive deployment of officers drawn from tactical units, area commands, and divisions, with support from the military, DSS, NSCDC, and FRSC to secure the state throughout the festive period.

Kaduna State Police Command also announced strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets to Eid grounds, highways, and public spaces, while bomb disposal experts were directed to sweep prayer grounds and crowded areas.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the police command activated a joint security operation code-named “Operation Sweep FCT” involving the military, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration Service, and FRSC.

Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the operation would include continuous patrols, intelligence-led raids, and explosive ordnance sweeps at worship and recreational centres.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Plateau State said it had deployed 1,820 personnel across all 17 local government areas to protect lives, critical infrastructure, and worship centres during the Sallah festivities.

Also in Osun State, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan said security personnel had been stationed at entry and exit points, highways, prayer grounds, parks, and recreational centres to prevent criminal infiltration and ensure peaceful celebrations.

Across the country, security agencies urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement authorities, and promptly report suspicious activities, while reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.