Tragedy struck Iyana Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday when Alhaji Doti, the father of a suspected kidnapper, was shot dead during a confrontation with members of a local vigilante group.
The incident reportedly unfolded as Alhaji Doti tried to prevent the arrest of his son, Bello Doti, who was accused by the vigilantes of engaging in kidnapping activities.
According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the deceased allegedly initiated the confrontation by attacking the vigilante operatives with a machete while attempting to rescue his son.
The attack reportedly escalated quickly, resulting in a violent clash between the father and the vigilante team. During the altercation, Alhaji Doti sustained gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby medical facility.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the development in an official statement issued on Wednesday, signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi. The statement provided a detailed account of the events, highlighting the joint police–vigilante operation aimed at apprehending the criminal suspect, Bello Doti.
According to the police, “During the operation in the Kara Market area of Iyana Share, Ifelodun LGA, the suspect Bello Doti was spotted by officers and vigilante members. While efforts were being made to take him into custody, his father, Alhaji Doti, arrived at the scene and, without provocation, attacked one of the vigilante operatives with a machete, causing serious injuries. In the ensuing confrontation, Alhaji Doti sustained gunshot wounds and was later confirmed dead at a medical facility.”
The statement further noted that the injured vigilante is currently receiving treatment, while the remains of Alhaji Doti have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Mortuary.
Amid the chaos, Bello Doti reportedly managed to escape and remains at large. The police confirmed that efforts to apprehend him have been intensified, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring his swift arrest and prosecution.
Ejire-Adeyemi also used the statement to caution the public against obstructing or violently interfering with law enforcement operations. She stressed that such actions would be met with the full weight of the law. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies, remain calm, and provide credible information that could assist authorities in the ongoing manhunt.
The incident has raised concerns among residents about the safety of both vigilante operations and law enforcement activities, highlighting the dangers that can arise when civilians attempt to intervene in police and security operations. Local community leaders have called for heightened awareness and cooperation with authorities to prevent further violent confrontations.