TENSION IN KWARA AS TERRORISTS HACK RENOWNED ISLAMIC CLERIC TO DEATH

​ILESHA-BARUBA — Fear and tension have gripped the Ilesha-Baruba community in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State following the brutal murder of a prominent Islamic cleric, Alfa Iliasu, by suspected terrorists.

​The cleric, widely known across the Baruten axis and neighboring communities for his spiritual work—particularly his purported ability to identify witches—was attacked at his residence in the early hours of today.

​The Deadly Assault

​According to local sources, the assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, stormed the cleric’s home and blindsided him. During the encounter, the attackers struck Alfa Iliasu on the head with a cutlass, inflicting deep, life-threatening lacerations.

​Unconscious and bleeding profusely, the cleric was rushed by neighbors and family members to a nearby hospital. However, local sources confirmed that he succumbed to his severe injuries before medical personnel could administer emergency treatment.

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​One Suspect Neutralized, Another Detained

​The violent assault did not go entirely unchallenged. According to preliminary reports from the area, three suspects were involved in the targeted attack.

• ​First Suspect: Neutralized on the spot during a chaotic confrontation at the scene of the crime.
• ​Second Suspect: Apprehended by locals and local vigilantes, and subsequently handed over to the police. He is currently in custody at the local divisional headquarters.
• ​Third Suspect: Managed to evade capture and fled into the surrounding forest corridors. Security operatives are currently tracking his whereabouts.

​Community Plunged into Mourning

​When contacted, residents expressed deep shock over the incident, describing the late Alfa Iliasu as a popular figure whose spiritual interventions frequently placed him in the public spotlight.

​As of the time of filing this report, the remains of the Islamic cleric are being laid to rest at the Ilesha-Baruba Muslim Cemetery in strict accordance with Islamic rites.

​The Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect, even as local hunters and tactical teams reinforce surveillance around the Baruten border communities to prevent a breakdown of law and order.