By Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan.
A socio-religious political group, the Political Awareness Group (PAG) through its Chairman, Lukman Tunde Fasasi (PhD) has called on authorities concerned to investigate the assaults laid on Muslims in Iseyin on Salah day.
According to the statement, “We received some video and audio clips wherein members of a Muslim family were purportedly attacked by a pastor, his soldier son, and some of his colleagues. The allegation was that the ram being slaughtered by the Alfa, for Sallah, faced their church.
“During the argument that ensued, the Alfa, his wives, and other members of the family were attacked with iron rods and other dangerous weapons.
Dr Lukman Fasasi urged other Muslim bodies in the Oke Ogun area to intervene and seek justice for the Alfa, including his wives (one of who was pregnant). He noted that the pregnant wife was reportedly dragged on the steps at the entrance to the church according to eyewitnesses’ accounts and the video clips received by the group.
Dr. Fasasi further advised strongly of the ‘avoidable consequences of any attempt to pervert justice by those who should ensure that justice is maintained’. He urged the police to ‘ensure that the law is enforced and those who may be found culpable face the wrath of the law to ensure the peace and harmony in Iseyin is not threatened’.
It was gathered that the Muslim family was attacked on 16th June 2024, Sallah Day, as they prepared to slaughter their ram as an obligatory sacrifice for the day. A pastor of a church located opposite the Alfa’s house vehemently opposed the Alfa’s action alleging that the ram was positioned to face his church, and immediately mobilized some members of his church, including a soldier, who was possibly his relative and who later invited some other soldiers to attack the Muslim family.
Meanwhile, INTEGRITY NEWS is yet to get a response from the state Commissioner of Police at the time of filing this report.
END.