Indications have emerged that Yusuf Mubaarak, whose lifeless body was found in Ilorin, Kwara State capital at the weekend, was mistakenly killed in a violent clash between cult groups.
Mubaarak, aged 27, and a student of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was at the weekend found dead after he had been declared missing on Wednesday night.
His lifeless body was found along the Unity Road area in Ilorin metropolis on Saturday.
A source, who did not wish to be named, told thedabigal that the deceased “was unlucky to have been caught up in a shooting spree by members of rival cult groups in the state capital”.
“When they saw him on the back of Okada motorcycle, they assumed that he was another cult member.
“The chap who carried him had his head slashed with an axe and he is now in the hospital,” the source added.
Mubaarak, was reportedly “shot from behind his head and the bullet emerged in front from his eye”, according to the source.
“His case was reported to the police and they began tracking his phone. The phone was tracked up to Ilorin-Ogbomoso road, the issue was escalated and all police formations were informed of his disappearance.”
Reacting to the development, Governor Abdulrahmam Abdulrazaq directed security agencies in the state to get to the root of the matter, and arrest and bring the assailants to justice.
“No resources should be spared to get justice for Mubaarak and his family, we charge security agencies to cast their nets widely as possible to answer all pending questions around his painful death,” a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said.
In a condolence message, the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said “I am devastated to learn that Yusuf Mubaarak, who was declared missing last Wednesday has been found dead.
“Another promising young life has been cut short by the mindless violence perpetrated by nefarious individuals.
“We must never become desensitized to the pain of the human tolls of insecurity. Such losses must continue to serve as a constant reminder that we have to urgently address the security call in our state, Kwara, and across the nation.
“May our authorities be empowered to comprehensively investigate this case and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added, while praying for the deceased family and loved ones to find the comfort needed at this difficult time. “