Rival Cult Clash in Ilorin Kills One, Sparks Panic

On Friday, a violent clash between rival cult groups in Ilorin, Kwara State, led to the death of 28-year-old Victor Mathew Nwachukwu. The incident occurred at Oja Oba Market, a commercial hub, causing widespread panic as traders, motorists, and pedestrians fled the area to avoid the violence.

The situation escalated, prompting security personnel to be deployed within the market to restore order. Reports indicate that the clash involved cult members confronting police officers during an attempted arrest, where suspects allegedly brandished firearms.

The police later neutralized the situation and recovered various local charms. The body of the deceased was evacuated from the scene by police operatives using a patrol vehicle.

This incident is part of ongoing efforts by the Kwara State Police Command, led by Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, to clamp down on cult-related activities in Ilorin, following previous investigations into similar incidents, including a fatal cult-related shooting on January 6, 2026.