Suspected cultist murdered in Ilorin, left eye, hand removed
A 23-year-old commercial tricycle operator, simply identified as Samad, was reportedly killed on Sunday in a cult-related attack in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.
It is the second cult related killing recorded in the state capital within three days.
Recall that a group of unidentified persons suspected to be cultists from Lagos struck on Eid-el-fitr day on Friday, and slaughtered two lives at Ganmo area an outskirt of Ilorin, the state capital.
It was gathered that members of a suspected secret cult group, reportedly killed Samad and dumped his corpse in front of a mosque at Abayawo area of Ilorin metropolis.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants shot the tricyclist, and removed his left eye and left hand during the attack.
It was gathered that the attack occurred at about 12 am on Sunday in Abayawo and Gambari communities throwing residents into confusion while the trouble lasted.
Sources said that rival cult groups involved in supremacy battle, were said to have engaged in fierce gun battle.
A resident of Abayawo revealed that some young fierce-looking men stormed the community in tricycles at about 9:00 pm on Sunday, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons.
The source, who said that pandemonium erupted while residents scampered to safety as the cult members shot repeatedly from 9:00pm, added that Samad met his death at about 4:00am when he came out and was ambushed by the cult members who reportedly shot him.
“It was while Samad was trying to escape through one corner that he was chased and shot. After he was confirmed dead, his corpse was dragged to the main road in front of the mosque while his left eye and left hand were removed and taken away.”
Remains of Samad, the tricycle operator, were reportedly taken to the Muslim cemetery, Osere, Ilorin on Monday morning for burial.
Efforts to reach out to the spokesman of the state police command, Okasanmi Ajayi on the development proved abortive as he did not pick calls or respond to inquiry text messages about the incident from our correspondent on Tuesday.
