Tension In Osun As Traditional Worshippers Attack Muslims At Mosque

Tension erupted in Osun state when traditional religion worshippers invaded a mosque in Ile-Ile, Osun State and assaulted Muslim worshippers.

Four people were reportedly injured during the attack that occured on Thursday, March 30th, 2023, Sahara Reporters reports.

Muslim worshippers were said to have been preparing for the 4pm (Asr) prayer in the mosque when traditionalists performing the pro-ritual stormed the place of worship.

Traditionalists in the town had announced on Wednesday that the Oro cult would be observed in some parts of Ife between 2pm and 7pm, advising residents to avoid the areas, Vanguard learnt.

One of mosque’s worshippers, Abdulazeez Bashir told SaharaReportes that Oro adherents broke through the fence and began flogging worshippers with canes, instructing them to leave the ablution area.

He said;“One of them even attacked the Imam, Alhaji Abdullateef Adesiyan while coming into the mosque. He was beaten with a cane and hit him on the face with a rod.

“When I discovered that about five persons have been injured, apart from the Imam of the mosque, I had to call the Ife Chief Imam to intimate him of the happenings.

“The situation could have escalated into a big religion crisis when other Muslims begin to gather around, but the traditionalists eventually ran away. The victims were later taken to hospital for treatment”.

Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, confirmed the incident and assured that the situation was under control and that a peace meeting was being held between stakeholders.

He said; “Ife Traditional Council is on top of the matter. The leadership of Muslim community in Ife is also involved in the peace meeting currently ongoing. Muslim, traditionalists and Christians living in the town have been cohabitating in peace for centuries.

“The Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi 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”.

Also confirming the attack, the Osun Police Command spokesperson Yemisi Opalola said an investigation into the mosque invasion had been launched.

“We deployed our men to the scene and normalcy had returned to the area while we have commenced investigation to the alleged mosque invasion,” the Police PPRO said.