A prominent Islamic cleric, Alfa Iliasu, has been killed following a violent attack by suspected Fulani assailants at his residence in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack, which occurred earlier on Saturday, has thrown the community into mourning as residents gathered in large numbers to grieve the cleric’s death and demand justice.
According to information obtained, the attackers stormed Alfa Iliasu’s residence and allegedly struck him on the head with a cutlass, inflicting severe injuries. 
Sources revealed that the cleric was immediately rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment. However, he reportedly died before medical personnel could attend to him due to the severity of the injuries sustained during the attack.
A video obtained showed emotional scenes in the aftermath of the incident.
In the footage, residents of Ilesha-Baruba were seen mourning the slain cleric while crowds trooped out in large numbers across the community.
The video also captured the moment one of the suspects allegedly linked to the attack was lynched by an angry mob in front of a police station.
Residents were seen dragging the suspect’s lifeless body as tensions escalated following news of Alfa Iliasu’s death.
Community sources said three suspects were involved in the attack.
“One of the suspects was killed at the scene by angry residents, another was arrested and taken to the police station, while the third suspect managed to escape and his whereabouts remain unknown,” a source familiar with the incident said.
Alfa Iliasu was widely known across Baruten and neighbouring communities for his reputation as an Islamic cleric with the ability to identify individuals allegedly involved in witchcraft activities.
His work and influence made him a well-known figure throughout the region and often brought him into public attention.
His death has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom described him as a respected religious leader and community figure.
Sources confirmed that the remains of the late cleric were being laid to rest at the Ilesha-Baruba Muslim Cemetery in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly attack.
