Tragedy struck in Sokupkpan community, located in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, as angry residents reportedly lyn*ched the community’s Chief Imam, identified as Abdulahi Audu, over allegations linking him to the mysterious death of a local resident, Ibrahim Gana.
According to multiple sources who spoke with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the unfortunate incident stemmed from long-standing suspicions surrounding the Chief Imam, whom some villagers accused of being behind Gana’s worsening health condition.
It was gathered that before his death, Ibrahim Gana had publicly accused the cleric of being responsible for his illness, claiming that he often saw the Chief Imam in his dreams, allegedly attacking him. These repeated claims reportedly created fear and growing suspicion within the community.
As Gana’s health deteriorated, he continued to insist that his problems were spiritual and that the Chief Imam was behind them. Despite efforts by family members and community elders to dismiss the claims as baseless, the rumors continued to spread. When Gana eventually passed away, tensions flared up as some youths concluded that his death was caused by “spiritual manipulation” from the Chief Imam.
Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated on Wednesday morning when an enraged mob gathered at the residence of the cleric. The crowd, allegedly led by three men identified as Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa, confronted the Chief Imam, accusing him of witchcraft and spiritual attacks.
Despite pleas from some elders and other residents who tried to calm the situation, the mob reportedly descended on the cleric, beating him mercilessly. Witnesses say the assault lasted for several minutes until the Chief Imam eventually collapsed. By the time some people rushed to intervene, he had already lost consciousness.
A community member who spoke on condition of anonymity said:
“Gana had been complaining for months that the Chief Imam was tormenting him spiritually. When he died, people were angry. They said the Imam must confess. Some elders tried to stop the attack, but the youths were uncontrollable. They beat him until he died.”
Following the attack, the news of the Imam’s death spread quickly, throwing the entire Sokupkpan community into chaos. Residents fled in fear of police reprisal and further violence.
Security operatives from the Tsaragi Police Division were said to have immediately mobilized to the area after receiving reports of the incident. Upon arrival, they found the situation tense but managed to restore order. Three suspects Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa were promptly arrested for their alleged roles in leading the mob that killed the cleric.
A police source confirmed that the suspects were in custody and that investigations had commenced to identify other individuals involved in the lynching. The source said,
“We have arrested three persons so far, and we’re still investigating to apprehend others who participated in the act. The law will take its course.”
The remains of the late Chief Imam, Abdulahi Audu, were later buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday evening, amid tears and palpable tension. Community members described the late Imam as a peaceful and devoted religious leader who had served the area for many years.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but authorities have reportedly intensified patrols in the area to prevent further unrest and possible revenge attacks.
The shocking incident has continued to generate heated discussions across Kwara State, with many residents condemning the mob action and calling for justice, while others insist that the strange circumstances surrounding Gana’s death should not be ignored.
As investigations continue, the Sokupkpan community remains on edge, mourning the loss of its spiritual leader while grappling with the aftermath of mob violence and superstition-fueled anger.
