In the village of Sokupkpan, situated in Kwara State’s Edu Local Government Area, a group of locals took the law into their own hands, resulting in the fatal beating of the town’s Chief Imam, Abdulahi Audu.
The tragedy unfolded after Ibrahim Gana, who was suffering from an illness, repeatedly alleged that the Imam was spiritually assaulting him in his dreams, claiming this was the cause of his deteriorating health.
When Gana eventually succumbed to his ailment, a crowd of angry youths concluded that the cleric was responsible and, ignoring pleas from community elders, attacked him in broad daylight, leading to his death.
The unrest stemmed from a growing belief among some residents that the Imam’s alleged nocturnal attacks were more than superstition. As Gana’s condition worsened, rumors of witchcraft spread, heightening tension within the close‑knit community.
On the day of the incident, three men Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa led a group of residents to the Imam’s home, where they assaulted him, an act that shocked onlookers and highlighted how fear and misinformation can spark lethal mob justice.
Officers from the Tsaragi Police Division arrived at the scene to find the Imam’s body and a tense crowd. The authorities subsequently arrested the three alleged ringleaders on suspicion of leading the violent mob.
While the Kwara State Police Command has not released an official statement, investigators are gathering evidence to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice.The slain cleric was buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday evening, a somber ceremony attended by grieving community members.
The incident has left the town in mourning and raised concerns about the need for calm and dialogue to prevent such violence in the future. Local leaders are urging residents to cooperate with the police and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands while the investigation proceeds.
Would you like more details on how the police are handling the investigation, or perhaps an update on the community’s response as the story develops?
