At least three people are feared dead in an outburst of violence in Ilorin, as suspected hoodlums attacked residents of Agbarere and Ita-Ore.

In the ensuing melee, many residential buildings were torched and several vehicles destroyed.

The thugs were said to be avenging the raid of their hideout by the operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in search of suspected india hemp smokers.

The anti-narcotics agents reportedly raided the den of the suspects around Idi-Ape area on Friday where some arrests were made.

The fracas spread to other adjoining areas like Oke-Kura, Oja-Oba and Popo-Igbonna, and disrupted economic activities for several hours.

It was also observed that bonfires were made along Popo-Igbonna street with the gun-wielding thugs shooting sporadically into the air.

Our correspondent observed two police patrol vehicles conveying three people believed to have died in the melee.

But the police spokesman, Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi confirmed two casualties in the unrest, saying men of the command are on top of the situation. He added that perpetrators of the fracas would be brought to justice no matter how highly placed.

Speaking with newsmen, he said, "There was confrontation between miscreants and security operatives. It was as a result of problem between the NDLEA and drug users in that area. That was what caused the crisis and the police came and rescued the NDLEA officer and we are trying to control the miscreants there. Some houses have been attacked. We have arrested some people. I can confirm that two people died.

They were attacking anything they see. They did not identify any special place to attack. They were just attacking."