Panic loomed in the state capital of Kwara state, Ilorin, as hoodlums clashed with Christians and Muslim worshipers celebrating New Year.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the incident which led to swift call on police by the state governor, Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed, started during the annual youths Carnival at Taiwo area in the state capital.
It was also learnt that millions worth properties were destroyed as several people sustained severe injuries of various degrees during the fracas.
According to further information gathered, operatives of the state command said it has arrested no fewer than 10 suspects.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed while condemning the development said perpetrators of what he describes as illicit act will not be spared by his government.
It was gathered that suspected youths in Taiwo metropolis of Ilorin had gone on rampage to celebrate the carnival despite their refusal by the leaders of the area not to go ahead with the carnival on the eve night of the New Year in the area.
A resident of Ilorin who spoke with our correspondent, Raheem Olaleye said “The Christians worshipers at Methodist and other churches in the area and Muslims faithful under the aegis of Quareeb Muslim Society that were having their new year eve at one of the Secondary school at Taiwo were seriously attacked by the youths during which three persons were wounded and properties destroyed.
Meantime, the state police command in a statement issued described the incident as unfortunate. The state Police Public Public Relations, Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ajayi Okasanmi said that, the police command has arrested 10 suspected youths in connection with the attack.
He noted that three people sustained serious injuries during the attack while they were receiving medical attention in one of the private hospitals in Ilorin.
“It is important to note, that the attack has no religious undertone. It is simple an unlawful act by the disgruntled youths of the area, as both the Christian and Muslim gatherings in the area”.
He noted further that, the state police command has commenced full investigations into the act adding that, anybody found culpable in the act would face the full wrath of the law.
Ajayi also admonished the people of the state to continue to embark on their lawful assignment and assured that the police command would continue to be alive to its responsibility in order to ensure full maintenance of law and order.
Meanwhile, Gov Ahmed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahaab Oba described the dastardly attack as criminal, satanic and alien to the state.
” The governor called on the people of the state to imbibe spirit of tolerance and harmonious relationship for sustenance of growth and economic development in the state. Governor Ahmed also called on parents and guardians to monitor their wards with a view to curtailing their likely excesses”, the statement read.
