Anebi
Panic gripped residents of Oke-Agbe Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State after an incident in which masqueraders and traditional worshippers allegedly invaded a mosque and the residence of the town’s Chief Imam, reportedly assaulting his family members.
The incident occurred last Thursday and has since sparked widespread concern across the community. Eyewitnesses report that the attackers stormed the mosque, located at the town’s centre, and physically assaulted the Imam’s wives and children.
Efforts by some locals to intervene were said to have been thwarted, as the assailants allegedly instilled fear, forcing people to flee.
A resident who witnessed the event and asked to remain anonymous said, “We have been living in palpable fear since the attack happened. Everyone is just too scared.”
Controversy emerged over the response from the town’s traditional leadership. Reports suggest that the town’s monarch imposed sanctions on the victims, demanding that the Chief Imam and his family provide nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 pieces of kolanuts. The fines were reportedly linked to accusations that the women raised their voices and uttered curses during the assault, instead of reacting submissively.
The deadline for compliance was reportedly set for Monday, with threats of banishment and prohibition of Islamic practices in the area if the conditions were not met. No known disciplinary action has been announced against the masqueraders allegedly involved in the assault.
When contacted for comment, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the command was yet to confirm the incident but promised to provide updates following further investigation.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, called on the Ondo State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate and take appropriate action against those responsible.
In a joint statement signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Prof. Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya, the organisation said: “Such acts, if left unaddressed, risk escalating communal tensions and eroding the harmony that Ondo State is known for.”
MUSWEN described the incident as a violation of religious sanctity and urged the state to uphold justice and protect the rights of all religious communities.
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, also reacted strongly, confirming the incident and condemning the alleged invasion. Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the development as “barbaric” and called for immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
MURIC also criticised the monarch’s handling of the situation, describing the imposed fine as a breach of natural justice. The organisation urged the state government to intervene and nullify the banishment threat.
“Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children. That banishment order must be rescinded,” MURIC stated.
The Muslim group also described the action of monarch as ‘a miscarriage of justice’, saying his judgment stands in contradistinction to the principles of natural justice.
“The judgment of the monarch stands in opposition to natural justice. This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the victims,” the organisation stated.
MURIC also appealed to the Ondo State Government to address the situation and ensure the safety and rights of the Chief Imam and his family.
“This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the victims,” it said.
“We urge the Ondo State Government to curb the excesses of the king of OkeAgbe Akoko. Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children. That banishment order must be rescinded.
Tension in Ondo community as traditional worshippers invade mosque, attack Imam’s wives, children
