A prominent Islamic cleric, popularly known as Alfa Iliasu, was killed following an attack at his residence in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred earlier on Saturday, has thrown the community into mourning as residents grapple with the loss of a religious figure widely known across the area.
According to sources in the community, the cleric sustained severe head injuries after being attacked by three assailants armed with cutlasses. He was reportedly rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead before treatment could commence.
Details surrounding the motive for the attack remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Community members said Alfa Iliasu was a respected Islamic scholar whose activities and teachings earned him recognition in Baruten and neighbouring communities. He was particularly known for his claims of identifying individuals allegedly involved in witchcraft-related activities, a role that often placed him in the public spotlight.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that one of the suspected attackers was killed during the attack, while another was arrested and taken into police custody. A third suspect reportedly escaped and remains at large.
Security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, funeral rites for the late cleric were underway at the Ilesha-Baruba Muslim Cemetery, where family members, religious leaders and sympathisers gathered to pay their last respects.
Residents have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect and ensure that those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.
Further details are expected as investigations continue.