Ogun Imams kick over alleged attacks on Muslims by traditional worshippers

The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State yesterday bemoaned alleged incessant attacks on Muslims and Islamic worship centres by traditional worshippers in the state.

Our correspondent recalls that there have been series of attacks on Muslims in the state by traditional worshippers, the latest being a reported attack in Iperu-Remo, the home town of Governor Dapo Abiodun, where Eluku cultists allegedly unleashed terror by pouring hot vegetable oil on Muslims.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta and signed by  the League’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, the body stated that the attacks on their members, allegedly by adherents of  the Oro, Agemo, Eluku and Egungun traditional worshippers, had been going on repeatedly for over 10 years.

The League said the most recent attacks occurred in Ipokia, Ikenne and Iperu, in the Remo North local government area of the state, and noted that the perpetrators had not been dealt with in a way to serve as deterrent to others.

According to the group, the attacks had left a psychological damage not only on the individuals affected and their family members, but also on the entire Muslim community.

It called on the state government to stop the attacks by enforcing an injunction by a High Court in Ipokia which declared imposition of curfew by the traditional worshippers during the daytime as illegal.

“As citizens of Ogun State, law-abiding and peacefully exercising our religious rights, we request the state government to ensure that the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is entrenched and enforced. We request the Ogun State government to ensure the safety of the lives and properties of all citizens, especially, from unwarranted attacks by some religious adherents on others,” the statement said.