Cultists on the rampage in Ilorin, kill four

Suspected cultists killed three people on Sunday night and one person on Monday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

On Monday, a bakery worker was killed in the Ansaraul area of Ilorin.

He was said to have been trailed and later shot dead by his assailants.

Residents of the area, who pleaded anonymity, told journalists that they had seen the deceased when he was working at the bakery but were shocked to learn of his death on Monday afternoon.

One of the victims that were killed on Sunday referred to simply as Abu, was said to be a graduate of an unnamed institution and was waiting to be called up for his National Youth Service Corps orientation.

An eyewitness,  who pleaded anonymity, told journalists in Ilorin on Monday that the suspected cultists, numbering about five, came on a motorbike to Abu’s residence around Tupex Market Mini Mart area of Taiwo Road, Ilorin.

He stated that when the assailants arrived the residence at about 8pm, they shot sporadically into the air and scared the residents.

The source added that the assailants quickly grabbed their victim and inflicted him with deep machete cuts and ensured that he died before they fled.

He added that neigbhours later rushed Abu to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Another killing was also reported around Alfa Yahayah area of Ilorin on Sunday night.

The unnamed victim was also said to have been killed with machete by the same cultists.

Residents, who pleaded anonymity, said the victim was shot three time without being hurt.

They added that this infuriated his assailants, who reportedly descended on him with machete and killed him after many cuts.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Command, Mr. Okesanmi Ajayi, confirmed the attack and death of Abu to journalists.

He explained that the cultists rode on bikes and later killed another man at Gambari area of Ilorin.

Ajayi stated that the command had commenced investigation in the killings.

On Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salihu Garba, held a peace meeting with political parties and their
governorship candidates in the state on the need to maintain the peace.