The Kwara State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the killing of two persons and the destruction of property during a violent mob attack in Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The Command described the retaliatory attacks, arson and extra-judicial killings that occurred on May 30 as criminal acts and a direct assault on the rule of law, vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police disclosed that the violence followed a confrontation between an unidentified Fulani man and an Islamic scholar, Mohammed Ilyasu, during which both men sustained severe machete wounds and later died.

The two victims were rushed to hospital for treatment, but Ilyasu was confirmed dead on arrival, while the suspected assailant later died while receiving medical attention.

According to the police, some angry youths allegedly stormed the hospital, seized the corpse of the deceased Fulani and set it ablaze.

The mob was further accused of attacking another passerby and burnt him to death.

About 10 buildings belonging to members of the Fulani community, including the residence of the Ardo Fulani, Alhaji Hassan, were also destroyed during the unrest.

Following reports of the incident, a combined team of police and military personnel was deployed to the community to restore order and prevent further violence.

The police said normalcy had since returned to the area, while security presence had been strengthened to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Condemning the attacks, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, described the actions of the mob as barbaric and unlawful, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands regardless of the circumstances.

He assured residents that a comprehensive investigation was underway and that all those involved in the killings, arson and other acts of violence would be apprehended and prosecuted.

Adekimi also urged residents to remain calm, avoid acts capable of inciting ethnic tension and allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and ensuring that justice is served