Hijab: Tension as hoodlums attack churches, schools in Ilorin
- The issue of Hijab took another twist on Monday, March 22
- Some churches and shops were attacked by the hoodlums
- The state chapter of the Baptist conference had warned the government to respect the rule on the controversy surrounding the hijab
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A report by The Nation indicates that the crisis over hijab (veil) wearing in Christian grant-aided mission schools took a violent turn on Monday, March 22, in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
Legit.ng gathered that scores of hoodlums allegedly vandalised churches, shops and schools in Sabo-Oke, Muritala Mohammed way and other areas of the metropolis.
The report said that other places affected include Post Office, Surulere and Maraba where churches and Christian schools are located.
Nigerian Tribune also reported that it took combined efforts of officers and men of the Kwara state police command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Army to prevent the break down of law and order.
Source: UGC
According to the report, the tense situation sent fears and apprehension down the spines of residents of the areas.
The hoodlums allegedly brandished machetes, cutlasses, bottles and other dangerous weapons, while marching through some roads in the metropolis.
It was also gathered some of them wore masks apparently to cover their identity.
Though the gate of the Cherubim and Seraphim College Sabo Oke Ilorin was securely locked, the hoodlums hauled stones and other dangerous missiles into the premises even with the presence of military operatives stationed at the entrance gate of the school.
The violence also spread to St. Barnabas LGEA primary school, Murtala Muhammad way, Ilorin and some churches in the area.
Ajayi Okasanmi, the Kwara state police command spokesperson, said the prompt intervention of men of the command nipped the situation in the bud.
He said that normalcy had since returned to schools and business communities in the metropolis.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that following the raging hijab crisis, the Kwara government led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has been urged to respect the rule of law concerning schools of religious bodies in the state.
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It was reported that the appeal was made by the Kwara Baptist Conference in a statement issued by the president, Rev’d. Dr. V.S.A Dada.
The Conference had described the state government's action of closing religious bodies schools as committing contempt of court over the issue.
Rev'd Dada went on to note that the matter is still pending before the Supreme Court, adding that a high court ordered the existing status quo be maintained.
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Wale Akinola is a passionate journalist and researcher. He works as a senior political/current affairs editor at Legit.ng. He holds both B. A and Master’s degree in Communications and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Peace Journalism. He has over 15 years of work experience in both print and online media. He derives joy in keeping the public abreast of current happenings locally and internationally through his writings.
Source: Legit.ng
