Six Dead as ‘Cultists’ Clash in Kwara

At least six people have been allegedly killed in a suspected cult related attack around the Post Office area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The incident, it was gathered, happened on Sunday night around past 8pm. The development triggered heightened security presence and concerns among residents on Monday. When Daily Trust visited the scene […]

At least six people have been allegedly killed in a suspected cult related attack around the Post Office area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The incident, it was gathered, happened on Sunday night around past 8pm.

The development triggered heightened security presence and concerns among residents on Monday.

When Daily Trust visited the scene on Monday morning, several police patrol vehicles were stationed in the area, while many shops along the usually busy corridor remained shut.

A resident who simply identified himself as Abdul, said the attackers struck at about 8pm, killing six people, including a prominent lotto operator in the area.

“They came with guns and other weapons and carried out the attack. Six people were killed, including the head of lotto operators around the Post Office area,” he said.

According to him, the assailants also threatened to return while leaving the scene.

“And while they were leaving, they boasted that they would come back. This is the fourth deadly incident in this area in recent times. The authorities should ban or stop the lotto activities here,” he added.

The resident alleged that the violence was linked to a rivalry between the Eiye and Aiye confraternities. But this could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

Some other residents, however, claimed the death toll could be higher than the six casualties reported.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the incident when contacted.

“Yes, there was a cultist attack last night and some killings, but I will give further details when I leave the scene. I am still there as I speak with you now,” the police commissioner said.