The Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, has condemned the attacks on worshippers on New Year’s eve in some churches in llorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some churches on lbrahim Taiwo Road were attacked by some yet-to-be identified persons in the early hours of Monday during the New Year service.
The Speaker, in a statement jointly signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Shuaib Abdulkadir and the Chief Press Secretary to the State House of Assembly, AbdulRahman Sanni, expressed disgust over the attacks.
Ahmad, however, called for calm, adding that the attack was not religiously motivated, but believed to have been carried out by some hoodlums.
“They must be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.
“Peace is the pivot of socio-economic transformation of any society and one of the indices of development,” he said.
He commended the Police Commissioner, Alhaji Ado Lawan, for police prompt intervention which brought the situation under control.
The speaker called for investigation into the incident with a view to apprehending those behind the attacks on the innocent worshippers.
He urged the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade, to ensure that those arrested in connection were prosecuted.
Kwara state police reacts, releases statement:
The Kwara state police command also reacted to the alleged attack on some churches by suspected Muslim faithfuls in Ilorin, the state’s capital.
In a statement released by the Kwara Police PRO, the attack has no religious undertone.
Read full statement Below;
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to assure the good people of Kwara state, of its capacity to deal decisively with any body arrested, for being a part of the breakdown of law and order that was witnessed in Taiwo Isale area of Ilorin, by hoodlums early this morning, in spite the peace and harmony being enjoyed in the state before, during the yuletide and even now.
At about 02;00am of today, some youths that were prevented from carrying out what was termed New year carnival by the community leaders of the area for fear of the process turning into a security threat, owing to previous years experiences.
In protest to the denial, the youths resorted into throwing bangers indiscriminately at all gatherings in the vicinity including religious gatherings celebrating the new year cross -over services, three (3) persons were injured in the resulting stampede, both the catholic, methodist and other churches in the area,including a muslim group called Quareeb team, holding their programme in an adjoining school were attacked, some 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 werr attacked.
Ten (10) suspects have been arrested, the injured already taken to the hospital and are responding to treatment. Investigation into the matter has commenced.
Good people of Kwara are admonished 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, please.
Dsp Ajayi Okasanmi
Police Public Relations Officers
Kwara state Command
For; Commissioner of Police
Kwara State Command.
