SURGING URBAN VIOLENCE: Nigerian police asks public to be vigilant in Ilorin

Police in historic city of Ilorin, Nigeria, has called on the public to be wary and report suspicious events immediately to appropriate authorities after recent upsurge violence and cult related killings in the state capital of Kwara.

Kwara, despite harsh laws on cult related activities suffers from the vice raising specter of fear among resdidents.

But speaking on the recent upsurge of the crime, DSP Ejire -Adeyemi Toun, police public relations officer, Kwara State Command, said that the state commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya, has advised the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the authorities.

In early hours of April 13th, 2024, a disturbing incident of culpable homicide took place at Ile-Film/Bolanta road in Ilorin.

Suspected cultists attacked and fatally shot Adelodun Farouq, a 36-year-old resident of Eleran Compound. The victim was buried according to Islamic rites without informing the police.

Initial investigations suggest that Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Ayee confraternity, was involved in the crime.

Later that evening, reports surfaced of more cult-related activities in Ile-Alawo Compound, Center Igboro.

Unidentified cultists assaulted Abdullahi Alao, a 35-year-old motorcycle rider, by cutting his head with a machete.

Alao was then taken to an undisclosed location by his younger brother. Detectives conducted a thorough search of the area.

On April 14th, 2024, another incident involving suspected cultists was reported in various areas including Baboko, ile Onimago, Adabata, and Eruda.

Miscreants engaged in a violent confrontation, using weapons like broken bottles and stones, resulting in the blockage of Baboko Road.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of C Division, along with six patrol teams and community policing personnel, swiftly responded to restore order.

During the operation, 46 suspects were arrested and handed over to the State Command Anti-Cultist Unit for further investigation.

Fourteen of these suspects were connected to the recent cult activities in Ilorin.

Normalcy has been reinstated in the affected areas, road blockades have been removed, and residents can resume their daily routines.

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