The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has strongly condemned the killing of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education. Lawal was allegedly murdered and dismembered by a cleric, Abdulrahman Bello.
In a statement released on Sunday by his spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and called for justice.
“It is most unfortunate, alien and a regrettable act of wickedness,” the Emir said.
He further noted that parents, guardians, and community members must remain watchful and ensure the safety of their children. He stressed the importance of knowing the kind of people their children associate with and urged them to check the background of those around them.
“They must ensure that their children and wards are in the company of people that are of trusted characters, with well-researched family background,” he warned.
The Emir also noted that young people should be encouraged to engage in hard work and productive activities, rather than being idle or wandering aimlessly. He stated that such idleness often leads to dangerous situations.
He called on clerics within the Ilorin Emirate and beyond to take responsibility for maintaining moral standards in society.
“This is by ensuring the likes of Bello are exposed to law enforcement agencies before they can damage lives of innocent persons,” he said.
Sulu-Gambari extended his condolences to Lawal’s family and urged the Nigeria Police and judiciary to ensure that justice is served without delay.
He also advised religious leaders, particularly Muslim clerics in Ilorin and Kwara State, to use their platforms to teach moral values and the importance of respect for human life. He suggested that Friday sermons should focus more on morality, dignity in labor, and the value of human life.
Lawal was reported to have met Bello through Facebook. She later visited his residence, where she fell into a deadly trap that ultimately led to her death.
