Six people, including the father of an alleged kidnapper, reportedly lost their lives on Tuesday in Share, the administrative centre of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
First Daily gathered that the incident took place at the Share cattle market and quickly escalated into chaos.
According to sources, the vigilantes stationed at the market apprehended a man suspected of kidnapping, bound him, and took him to the police station.
Word of the arrest allegedly reached the suspect’s father, who was said to have rallied others to storm the market in a bid to free his son.
On arrival, the man reportedly attacked one of the vigilantes.
The vigilante, reacting immediately, retaliated, leading to the man’s death.
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The situation spiralled into violence, with gunshots ringing out and groups clashing. When calm eventually returned, no fewer than five additional bodies were reportedly found.
The vigilante initially attacked, sustained severe injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday via telephone, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disputed the reported death toll.
Ojo said, “Only one old man died in an attempt to free his son from kidnappers.”
He further explained: “A young man was kidnapped, and his father came to rescue him, but was shot by the vigilante. It was the confusion that ensued that enabled the kidnappers to escape.”