The Kwara State Police Command has condemned the killing of an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu, and another person during violent unrest in Kwara State.

The Command described the weekend incident as gruesome acts of mob violence, arson and extra-judicial killing in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The Command's spokesman, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated: "Investigations revealed that a violent altercation occurred between an unidentified resident-settler and an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both parties sustained severe machete injuries.

"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."

Ejire-Adeyemi accused some irate youths of taking the law into their hands in retaliation. Youths reportedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased assailant and set it ablaze.

"In a further display of lawlessness, the mob allegedly attacked another man passing through the area and set him on fire. The violent crowd also razed about 10 buildings belonging to members of the settler's community, including the residence of their leader.

"Upon receipt of the report, a combined team of Police personnel and military operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected area, successfully restoring normalcy and preventing further escalation of violence. Security has since been reinforced, while the situation remains under close monitoring.

"The Command condemns the acts in the strongest terms, describing them as criminal, barbaric, and a direct affront to the rule of law."

She emphasised that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands irrespective of the circumstances surrounding any incident.

She added that the "Command has launched a full-scale investigation and manhunt for all persons involved in the retaliatory attacks, arson, and unlawful killings. The perpetrators will be identified, apprehended, and made to face the full weight of the law."