By Muhammed Akindele
Tragedy struck in Sokunkpan village, Tsaragi district of Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, when a mob lynched the community’s Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, over an allegation that he was responsible for the death of a villager, Ibrahim Gana.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing and announced the arrest of four suspects in connection with the incident.
According to findings, 25-year-old Gana, a resident of Sokunkpan village, had been ill for some days before he died while receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Following his death, his brothers — Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana — reportedly accused the Chief Imam of being behind their sibling’s demise. They allegedly mobilised other angry residents to the cleric’s home, where he was attacked with dangerous weapons until he died on the spot.
Police Confirm Incident
Spokesperson for the command, SP Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, describing it as a case of culpable homicide.
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident of culpable homicide that occurred in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area of the State,” the statement read.
“On November 4, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., one Ibrahim Gana, aged 25, who had been ill and admitted at a hospital, sadly passed away. Following his death, his brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, accused the Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, of being responsible for their brother’s demise.
“In an act of mob violence, they allegedly mobilised several individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death,” the statement added.
Four Suspects in Custody
Adetoun said police operatives swiftly commenced an investigation and had so far arrested four suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other accomplices linked to the killing.
She cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their hands, warning that “jungle justice is a criminal act punishable under the law.”
The command urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through official communication channels, assuring the public of its continued commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
“Further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” the statement concluded.
