Fatal violence erupts in Kwara as competing cults engage in deadly confrontation

A violent confrontation between suspected rival cult groups at Ilorin's Oja-Oba Market on Friday resulted in the death of a middle-aged man, according to reports.

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The incident, which occurred in a busy commercial area, prompted traders, motorists, and pedestrians to flee in panic, seeking to avoid the violent clash.

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Activities in the market and surrounding roads, including Emir Road, Ita-Ajia, and the Gambari axis, were abruptly disrupted as commuters and residents hurried to avoid the area.

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Traders were seen quickly shutting their stalls, while others rushed to find safer locations as the situation escalated and security personnel moved in to restore order.

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Security personnel stationed in the market pursued several suspects believed to have been involved in the confrontation, following the violent incident.

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A police source confirmed the incident, explaining that the victim was a suspected cultist who had confronted officers during an attempted arrest, producing a gun and pointing it at a police officer.

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The suspect was eventually "neutralised" by operatives, who recovered his gun and assorted local charms, according to the police source.

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The body of the deceased was later evacuated from the scene by police operatives using a patrol Hilux vehicle, the source further disclosed.

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This latest development comes as the Kwara State Police Command continues its efforts to crack down on cult-related activities across Ilorin and other parts of the state.

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The state Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, had earlier announced the arrest of several suspected cult group members following an intensive investigation into cult activities.

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The investigation was launched after a fatal cult-related incident on January 6, 2026, in front of Imam Filling Station in the Kulende area of Ilorin, where 28-year-old Victor Mathew Nwachukwu was shot dead by suspected cultists.