Police arrest 10 over attack on worshippers in Ilorin

The relative peace being enjoyed in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital was punctured in the early hours of the New Year, when some hoodlums attacked worshippers on Ibrahim Taiwo Street.

Eye witness said at about 2: 00 am, some youths who were prevented from staging their New Year carnival by the elders of the community took it out on the worshippers who were observing the Cross over service.

The elders’ action was informed by previous years’ experience which resulted into breach of security.

In protest, the youths resorted into throwing bangers indiscriminately at all gatherings in the vicinity including religious organisations celebrating the New Year cross -over services.

Three persons sustained injury in the resulting stampede. The Catholic, Methodist churches and other denominations in the area, including a Muslim group called Quareeb team, holding their programme in an adjoining school were attacked. A number of vehicles belonging to both worshippers were damaged.

It is important to note, that the attack has no religious undertone. It is simple an unlawful act by the disgruntled youths of the area, as both the Christian and Muslim gatherings in the area were attacked.

The Police arrested 10 suspects while the injured were taken to the hospital and were said to be responding to treatment.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the arrest and said that investigation into the matter has commenced.

He urged the residents to continue with their lawful endeavours and disregard the insinuation that the crisis was between the Muslim and Christian, as Kwara state is known for her harmonious relationship among all religious group.

In the meantime, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has condemned the early hours attack and described it as satanic.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Governor Ahmed described the dastardly attack as criminal, satanic and alien to the state.

Ahmed, who commended those who made efforts to protect some of the victims regardless of their religious inclination, called on security agencies to immediately launch investigation into the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the unholy act with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

According to the Governor, “peace is sine qua non for the development of any society and the government will not tolerate any act capable of breaching peace, unity and tranquillity of the state”.

The Governor called on the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and harmonious relationship for sustenance of growth and economic development in the state.

Governor Ahmed also called on parents and guidance to monitor their wards with a view to curtailing their likely excesses.