The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in the brutal killing of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan village, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, revealed in a Thursday statement that the tragic event occurred on November 4, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., following a violent outbreak linked to the death of a young man in the community.
According to her, the chaos began after 25-year-old Ibrahim Gana, who had been receiving treatment in a local hospital, passed away.
His brothers, identified as Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, allegedly blamed the village Chief Imam for his death and mobilised others to attack him.
“In a fit of mob anger, the suspects armed themselves with dangerous weapons and descended on the Chief Imam, inflicting fatal injuries,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
She added that the swift intervention of police officers led to the arrest of four suspects, while an intensive manhunt was ongoing to apprehend other members of the mob who participated in the attack.
“Four individuals are currently in custody, and investigations have commenced to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served,” the police spokesperson assured.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, condemned the act of jungle justice, describing it as barbaric and contrary to the rule of law.
“No citizen has the authority to take another person’s life, regardless of the circumstances,” Ojo said. “Mob justice only worsens the situation and will never be condoned by the police.”
He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that those found guilty of such violent acts would face prosecution.
“The command will pursue this case with utmost diligence to send a clear message that lawlessness has no place in Kwara State,” the Commissioner added.
CP Ojo also appealed for calm within the community and urged residents to assist security agencies by providing credible information that could help in tracking down other suspects still at large.
“We are calling on citizens to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious movements or persons through our emergency channels or at the nearest station,” he said.
Reassuring residents of continued safety, Ojo emphasised that the Kwara State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and maintain peace across all parts of the state.
“The command under my leadership will continue to uphold professionalism and integrity while ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice,” he concluded.