Kwara Community Mourns As Chief Imam Lynched Over Witchcraft Allegation

[Abdullah]

Kwara Community Mourns As Chief Imam Lynched Over Witchcraft Allegation; Police Arrest Three Suspects

Tension has gripped the Sokupkpan community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State following the tragic killing of the community's Chief Imam, Mallam Abdulahi Audu, who was allegedly beaten to death by irate residents accusing him of witchcraft.

According to local sources, the incident occurred after the death of a resident, Ibrahim Gana, who had reportedly accused the Chief Imam of being responsible for his deteriorating health. Before his passing, Gana was said to have repeatedly told neighbours that he often saw the cleric attacking him in his dreams and blamed him for his illness.

As Gana's condition worsened, suspicion and fear spread throughout the community. Upon his eventual death, some residents concluded that the Chief Imam was spiritually responsible. What began as rumours soon escalated into mob violence.

Eyewitnesses told Attaqwaa News that the Chief Imam was attacked in broad daylight by a group of residents allegedly led by Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa. Despite attempts by elders to intervene, the mob reportedly beat the Imam to death.

"They said he used witchcraft to kill Gana. The mob descended on him and refused to listen to anyone. It was a very sad scene," a source said.

Police officers from the Tsaragi Division were said to have swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving distress calls. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that three prime suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.

"The suspects — Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa — were apprehended for their alleged roles in leading the mob that lynched the Chief Imam," a security source revealed.

The remains of Mallam Abdulahi Audu were laid to rest on Wednesday evening according to Islamic rites amid grief and heightened tension across the community.

As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
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