Youths on rampage over killing of hunter’s dog in Ilorin

Policeman injured, over 50 motorcycles burnt
BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI
ILORIN — The killing of a dog belonging to a hunter has caused a violent clash between two communities in Ilorin, the Kwara Stae capital,  yesterday.
The development which prompted police’s intervention also led to a gun attack on a policeman who is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
Over 50 motorcycles were destroyed in the fracas.
Vanguard reliably gathered that disagreement ensued between some residents of Abayawo area and hunters from Dada community in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state over a dog owned by a member of Dada community. The dog was reportedly killed by a car.
The said car is owned by a member of Abayawo, the rival community.
Residents of the area accused the police of burning over 50 motorcycles, raiding their houses, collected mobile phones and ate their soup.
Alhaji Baba Asileke, who spoke on behalf of Abayawo residents, accused the police of attacking residents who were not involved in the fracas. He urged the government to come to their aid.
“Our motorcycles were burnt and we don’t know why they resorted to attacking us when we were not the ones fighting. They entered our houses, collected phones belonging to our wives and even beat them up,” he said.
The ever-busy Abayawo-Okelele road was deserted when Vanguard visited the area. Scores of policemen were seen while no vehicular movement was allowed.
Pupils also rushed home while residents remained indoors.
Contacted, the state police spokesman, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the development, saying some arrests have been made.