New Year Violence: Governor sets up panel to probe attack on worshippers

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed gave approval to the State Committee on Religious Matters to investigate the circumstances leading to the attack on worshippers on January 1, 2018, at the Taiwo Isale area of Ilorin.

According to a statement from the government house, the decision was in keeping with Ahmed’s pledge to religious leaders in the state during a meeting on Tuesday.

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who announced the approval, noted that the Committee, under the Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of Alhaji M. S. Koro and Chief P. A. O Olorunisola respectively, was expected to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem, ascertained the level of damage to property, identify the culprits in the crises and make adequate recommendations.

Gold said the Committee was also expected to submit its report within two weeks. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has alleged that the attack on its members was perpetrated by Muslims, a statement an Islamic group, Muslim Media Watch described as unfortunate and capable of causing tension in the state.

Suspected hoodlums, in the early hours of New Year, descended on worshippers in churches along Taiwo Isale area of Ilorin, Kwara State, disrupting their Cross Over services and creating pandemonium in the vicinity.

The churches affected include St Joseph Catholic Cathedral, Methodist Cathedral, Christ Apostolic Church and UMCA Hausa Church.

The hoodlums, alleged to be over 50 in number, equally attacked members of the Quareeb Society, a Muslim group, who were also observing their prayers at a venue adjacent to the Christian worship centres.

About 30 people were said to have been injured during the mayhem which lasted more than two hours. Several vehicles were damaged during the attack while some ladies were allegedly raped by the marauders.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Hamzat Bello, who led a delegation comprising the Special Assistants on Religions, confirmed that the hoodlums raped several ladies.

One of their would-be victims, Bello disclosed, ran into the premises of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was sheltered even though she is a Muslim.

Reverend Father Christopher Atoyebi, Director of Communication, Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, confirmed this development.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ado Lawan, has promised to ensure that the suspects would be arrested and prosecuted. The police in the state had so far arrested about 32 suspects over the incident.