Mob Violence Erupts in Kwara Community Over Witchcraft Allegations
A peaceful rural community in Kwara state has been plunged into turmoil following the brutal murder of Chief Imam Alhaji Abdullahi Audu by an angry mob. The violent incident occurred in Sokunkpan, a small settlement within Tsaragi District of Edu Local Government Area, shattering the community's tranquility.
The attack took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, when a group of armed youths stormed the religious leader's residence. The mob acted on allegations that the Imam had used witchcraft to cause the death of a 25-year-old community member.
Police Confirm Arrests and Investigate Motive
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the horrifying incident and announced significant progress in their investigation. Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi revealed that four suspects have been taken into custody, including two brothers identified as Muhammad Sha'aba and Mahmud Gana.
According to the police statement, the violence erupted following the death of Ibrahim Gana, a 25-year-old resident who had been suffering from a mysterious illness for several weeks. The young man's relatives allegedly accused the Chief Imam of being spiritually responsible for his deteriorating health and eventual death.
The police investigation indicates that the two brothers mobilized other youths to launch the fatal attack on the cleric, resulting in his brutal killing. The mob was reportedly armed with dangerous weapons including cutlasses and traditional charms.
Family Speaks Out Against Superstition-Driven Killing
Family members of the slain Imam have described the incident as a tragic case of ignorance and superstition. Speaking anonymously to protect their safety, one of the Imam's foster children provided harrowing details of the attack.
The assailants arrived at the Imam's residence fully armed and immediately began beating and cutting him until he succumbed to his injuries. The family source explained that tensions had been building after the late Ibrahim Gana began experiencing nightmares featuring the Imam.
According to family accounts, the young man repeatedly claimed he saw the Imam in his dreams attempting to kill him. Despite medical treatment at a hospital, his family eventually brought him home for traditional remedies while continuously pressuring the Imam to confess to supernatural involvement.
The situation reached its tragic climax when Ibrahim, in his final moments, repeatedly called out the Imam's name in apparent pain and distress. This final event reportedly triggered the mob's rage and directly led to the violent attack on the religious leader.
Community Demands Justice and Legal Action
The family of Chief Imam Abdullahi Audu has vehemently denied all witchcraft allegations and is demanding full legal prosecution of those responsible. They describe the late Imam as a righteous man dedicated to his faith and community.
One family member emotionally defended the Imam's character, stating, All these allegations that Imam was a witch are complete lies. He was genuinely a man of God. I'm living proof of his goodness - he sponsored my education even though I'm not his biological child. If he possessed evil intentions, he would have harmed me first.
The family expressed confidence in Kwara state's judicial system, citing recent cases where justice was served in similar circumstances. They pledged to closely monitor the legal proceedings to ensure the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions.
Police authorities have urged community members to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The incident has raised concerns about the persistence of superstitious beliefs and mob justice in rural communities, highlighting the need for continued public education about legal processes and conflict resolution.
As investigations continue, the Sokunkpan community remains tense, with residents grappling with the aftermath of the violence that has left deep scars on their social fabric.
