Ondo Muslims Protest Masqueraders’ Attack On Chief Imam’s Family
Members of the Muslim community in Ondo State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Akure, the state capital, to denounce a violent attack on the family of the Chief Imam of Oke-Agbe Akoko, Alhaji Muhammed Hussain Jegede, allegedly carried out by masqueraders and traditional worshippers.
The protesters, led by respected Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulazeez Surajudeen Folayemi, marched to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 17, demanding justice for the victims of what they described as a “targeted religious assault”.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, reportedly saw a group of masqueraders storm a mosque in Oke-Agbe, where they physically assaulted the Imam’s wives and children.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers forcefully entered the mosque premises, disrupting prayers and inflicting injuries on members of the Imam’s household.
Attempts by residents to intervene were futile, as they were allegedly overwhelmed by the rampaging assailants and fled the scene for safety.
Rejecting what he termed a “so-called settlement” between the involved parties, Folayemi declared that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
“The proposed settlement holds no water and should be thrown into the trash bin,” he said, calling for legal redress and the prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
In response, AIG Ajani Musibau commended the Muslim community for conducting a peaceful demonstration and assured them that the matter would be handled in line with due process.
He further stated that the case would remain under the purview of the zonal command and not be transferred to Abuja, in order to ensure swift justice.
The protest was also backed by a formal petition from the Muslim Initiative on Rights and Justice (MIRAJ), which demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers.
In the petition signed by its National Amir, Adeniyi Alimi Adams, MIRAJ accused the perpetrators of criminal assault, religious provocation, conspiracy, attempted murder, and breach of fundamental rights.
“Why should these individuals violate the religious rights of peace-loving and law-abiding Muslims in the community?
“Why must they trample on their constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of worship?,” the group queried.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
