Some Muslims in Ile Ife, Osun State have revealed how they were attacked in Idi Omoh mosque, Ilare, Ile Ife, while observing late afternoon prayer by Oro traditional worshipers on Thursday afternoon.
According to reports, some Muslims had embarked on protest in the ancient town over the attack by Oro worshippers on Friday. They vowed to continue with the protests if the perpetrators of the attack were not arrested and punished.
Spokesperson for Osun Police Command, SP Opalola Yemisi Osun confirmed the attack. According to her, the traditional worshippers attacked the Muslims at their worship place. She, however, said investigation of the attack is still ongoing.
However, the attack has generated religious tension in the town. Some of the Muslims worshippers involved said they were attacked by the Oro worshippers, who forcefully entered their mosque and immediately requested to see the Chief Imam, Lateef Adesiyan.
According to one of those present during the attack, AbdulAzeez Bashir, the Oro adherents broke through the fence and began flogging worshippers with canes, instructing them to leave the ablution area.
Also, the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Ife Central, Tajuddeen Adesiyan, stated that the Muslims were about to observe the late afternoon prayer when they were attacked.
He said the Oro traditional worshipers were returning from their shrine, when they forcefully entered the mosque and they were asking for Imam Lateef Adesiyan.
He observed that there has never been a day when Christians would ask Muslims to stay indoors for religion event, but the traditional worshipers were intolerant of other religions. The Secretary emphasised that they are going to end the indiscipline act of the traditional Oro worshippers in Ile-Ife.
According to reports, the Imam and five other Muslims have been receiving treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife.
When contacted, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji AbdulSemiu AbdulHammed, stated that the Palace had intervened in the matter.
He emphasised that the Ooni promised to bear the hospital bills of the injured persons and rehabilitate the vandalised mosque. He added the Head of Olorisa worshippers would be arrested and brought to justice, and re-affirmed that there is fundamental human right of freedom of religion in the land.
The Chief Imam urged Muslims to be la- abiding in their protest.
Meanwhile, the former Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the State, Sakariyau Adesiyan, has said that there’s the need to end procession by adherents of Oro in daylight in Ile-Ife.
The Ex-NLC Chairman, who made the call in an interview with newsmen, stressed that they want the perpetrators punished, adding that the people will continue their protest if those involved are not arrested.
