Oro adherents attack Osun Mosque, Muslims kick

Oro adherents attack Osun Mosque, Muslims kick

Members of the Muslim community in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday protested against the alleged attack of a mosque in the Ilare area by some Oro adherents.

The protesters said on Thursday that the traditionalists entered the mosque, where some Muslims had gathered to observe the 4pm prayers, and attacked those they found in the building.

Beside the chief imam of the mosque, Abdul-Lateef Adediran, who was reportedly injured in the face, five other worshippers were allegedly stabbed.

An eyewitness, who identified himself only as Kareem for security reasons, said, “We were in the mosque to pray. Some people were performing ablution when the Oro worshippers entered the mosque.

“We were aware that they would be going around with Oro and we didn’t meddle in their affairs. They had passed through the area. They later returned and entered the mosque.

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“The imam was trying to ask what their mission was, but they didn’t even allow him to talk before they started beating every one of us. Six people were stabbed. Our imam sustained injuries on his face. All those injured were taken to hospitals in Ile-Ife.”

The protesters, who moved through major streets in the town, visited the palace of the Ooni of Ife, but the royal father was not available.

One of the protesters, Tajudeen Adesiyan, said a petition had been written to the police, adding that the worshippers also came under a similar attack in November last year.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said normalcy had returned while investigation was ongoing to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the incident.

The spokesperson for the Ooni, Moses Olafare, said, “The leadership of the Muslim community and other religions in Ife is involved in the peace meeting currently ongoing. Muslims, traditionalists and Christians living in the town have been cohabitating in peace for centuries.

“Ooni is calling on all those involved to allow peace to reign. Security agents, leaders of the traditionalists and the leadership of the Muslim community are meeting to address the issue,” Olafare added.