Suspected Cultists Kill Tricycle Operator In Kwara

A clash between members of rival cult groups in Ilorin, Kwara State capital has claimed the life of a 23- year-old commercial tricycle operator simply identified as Samad.

LEADERSHIP gathered that members of a secret cult group killed Samad and dumped his corpse in front of a mosque at Abayawo area of Ilorin. It was gathered that the assailants removed the victim’s left eye and left hand after killing him.

The incident according to sources occurred midnight on Sunday as residents of Abayawo and Gambari communities were apprehensive and sleepless while the trouble raged.

Sources said that rival cult groups were involved in supremacy battles, as they were said to have engaged in fierce gun battle.

A resident of Abayawo revealed that some young fierce-looking men had 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 as residents ran helter-skelter while the cult members shot sporadically, 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 manoeuvre his way through one corner that he was chased and was shot. After he was confirmed to have given up the ghost 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,” the source said.

The remains of Samad, the tricycle operator, were reportedly taken to the Muslim cemetery, Osere, Ilorin on Monday morning for burial.

When contacted, the spokesman of Kwara State Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.

He said, “Though they didn’t report the case, when we heard about it, our men went there but his corpse has been taken away for burial by the family before their arrival.”