Respected Islamic scholar killed by labourer in Kwara community

A well-known Islamic scholar, Alfa Iliasu, has allegedly been killed by a labourer who hailed from another part of the country.

The incident happened in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The cleric, who was highly regarded across Baruten and surrounding communities, reportedly met his untimely death when the labourer entered his apartment and attacked him with a cutlass.

The motive is now a subject of police investigation. However, the suspect was said to have previously had a disagreement with the late alfa over unpaid wages.

The lawmaker representing the Okuta/Yashikira Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammed Baba Saliu, confirmed the incident, noting that efforts were still ongoing to establish the full details of what happened.

“I am aware that the cleric was attacked, killed and has since been buried. Reports indicate that one of the individuals involved in the incident was also killed, another was arrested, while another person escaped. There are several accounts emerging, and I will provide further comments once I have a clearer understanding of the situation,” he said.

Former Baruten Local Government Chairman, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, disclosed that initial reports showed the attack occurred at about 9 a.m. while Quranic lessons were taking place within the cleric’s residence.

According to him, Alfa Iliasu was rushed to a hospital following the assault, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Ibrahim explained that the suspect had earlier been apprehended and handed over to the police before tensions escalated, resulting in mob action and unrest in parts of the community.

The Emir of Ilesha-Baruba, Alhaji Halidu Abubakar, also confirmed the incident, stating that traditional and religious leaders moved swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“An individual attacked and killed the prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Ilyas, with a cutlass. The exact cause of the dispute between them remains unknown,” the monarch said.

He noted that community leaders appealed for calm, but some aggrieved youths allegedly vandalised properties before security personnel intervened and restored peace.

Meanwhile, the Seriki Fulani of Ilesha-Baruba, Ardo Muhammed Abdullahi, alleged that the aftermath of the incident affected several innocent residents.

He identified the suspected attacker as Seke, popularly known as “Boso,” describing him as a labourer familiar within the community who had previously been involved in disagreements over unpaid wages.

“Only God knows what transpired between him and Alfa Iliasu, but there may have been some form of disagreement. He reportedly entered the cleric’s residence, attacked him and attempted to flee,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, residents initially captured the suspect and handed him over to the police. However, a crowd later overpowered security personnel, removed him from custody and lynched him.

Abdullahi further alleged that the unrest spread beyond those directly connected to the incident, resulting in attacks on innocent residents.

He claimed that three of his houses, along with properties belonging to members of his family, were completely destroyed by fire. He also said his wife and children narrowly escaped, while two of his children remained unaccounted for at the time of his statement.

The Fulani leader further alleged that several people lost their lives during the violence and warned that the situation could strain relations between communities that have coexisted peacefully for many years if not properly addressed.

He said the matter had been reported to security agencies and expressed concern that properties belonging to individuals who had contributed to peace and security in the area were targeted during the unrest.

Abdullahi also revealed that he was considering relocating from the community due to fears for the safety of his family and property.

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