A VIOLENT mob has lynched the Chief Imam of Sokupkpan community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, after accusing him of causing the death of a resident through witchcraft.
News Point Nigeria reports that the victim, identified as Mallam Abdullahi Audu, was reportedly beaten to death on Wednesday by irate youths who claimed he was spiritually responsible for the death of 25-year-old Ibrahim Gana, a member of the same community.
The tragic incident threw Sokupkpan into chaos, as fear and confusion spread among residents.
Sources told this newspaper that prior to his death, Gana had been battling an undisclosed illness and repeatedly alleged that the Imam had been tormenting him in his sleep.
He reportedly accused the cleric of being the cause of his deteriorating health.
“As his condition worsened, some community members started believing his dreams were true,” a resident who witnessed the events stated. “When he finally died, the anger escalated.”
Matters came to a head when the deceased’s brothers; Mohammed Shaba, Mahmud Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa mobilized youths to confront the cleric at his residence.
Despite attempts by some elders to intervene, the mob allegedly descended on the Imam with sticks and weapons, beating him until he died.
“They refused to listen to anyone who tried to calm the situation. They kept shouting that the Imam had killed Gana using witchcraft,” another witness said.
Police operatives from the Tsaragi Division arrived shortly after the attack and arrested four suspects believed to have been directly involved.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, describing the killing as a “brutal and senseless homicide.”
She explained that preliminary findings showed that the attack was motivated by suspicion and superstition, not evidence.
“Four suspects have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to track others who participated in this criminal act,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, strongly condemned the mob action and warned against taking laws into one’s hands.
“The Command reiterates that jungle justice is a criminal offence. Where there is suspicion of wrongdoing, the appropriate authorities must be notified for proper investigation,” she said.
The remains of the slain Chief Imam have been buried in accordance with Islamic rites as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence.