A prominent Islamic cleric, Alfa Iliasu, has died following a violent attack by suspected assailants at his residence in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has plunged the community into mourning, with residents gathering in large numbers to grieve the cleric and call for justice.
According to sources, the attackers allegedly invaded Alfa Iliasu’s home and struck him on the head with a cutlass, leaving him critically injured. He was reportedly rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment but died before receiving medical attention due to the severity of his injuries.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attack triggered widespread outrage within the community. Residents were seen mourning the cleric as crowds gathered across Ilesha-Baruba following news of his death.
Sources familiar with the incident said three suspects were allegedly involved in the attack. One of the suspects was reportedly lynched by an angry mob shortly after the incident, while another was arrested and taken into police custody. A third suspect is said to have escaped and remains at large.
Alfa Iliasu was widely known across Baruten and neighbouring communities for his influence as an Islamic cleric and community leader. His death has generated strong reactions from residents, many of whom described him as a respected religious figure.
The cleric was laid to rest at the Ilesha-Baruba Muslim Cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident. However, investigations are said to be ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
