Pandemonium as Masquerades invade mosque, assault chief Imam’s family

Pandemonium as Masquerades invade mosque, assault chief Imam’s family

Chaos erupted in Oke Agbe Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, following a violent invasion of a mosque and the home of the Chief Imam by masquerades and traditional worshippers.

The attack, which occurred last Thursday, left the community in shock and fear.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the central mosque and forcefully entered the residence of the Chief Imam, where they reportedly beat up his wives and children.

Efforts by concerned residents to intervene were overwhelmed by the masked assailants, prompting many to flee in panic.

Though no official reason has been provided for the invasion, a local source suggested the attack may be linked to the Imam’s vocal stance against idol worship in the community.

“Since the incident, everyone has been living in fear. People are too scared to speak out,” the resident said.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as “barbaric, irrational, and a sign of growing anti-Muslim sentiment” in parts of the Southwest.

In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

The group also raised serious concerns about the aftermath of the attack, accusing the town’s monarch of further victimising the Muslim community.

“To make matters worse, the town’s king imposed fines on the victims—nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 kolanuts—allegedly because the Muslim women screamed and cursed the masquerades during the assault, rather than begging for mercy,” the statement read.

MURIC described the monarch’s action as a gross miscarriage of justice and a violation of fundamental rights.

“This judgement contradicts every principle of natural justice. We are in the 21st century and a democratic society, for crying out loud. The action is crude, archaic, and draconian.”

The group warned that the threat of banishment against the Imam and his family, and a reported ban on Islamic practice in the area, could not be ignored. “We call on the Ondo State Government to intervene immediately and halt the excesses of the traditional leadership in Oke Agbe Akoko. Nothing must happen to the Imam or his family.”

MURIC also urged the Ondo State Police Command to prosecute the perpetrators of the assault, stressing that the attackers are known figures in the community. “They are not ghosts. The law must take its course.”

While commending the local police for ensuring that Muslims were able to observe Jumu’ah prayers peacefully the following day, the group insisted the case must not be swept under the carpet.

“The masquerades of Oke Agbe have confirmed our fears about the growing persecution of Muslims in the Southwest. It is becoming an alarming trend, and the daily reports we receive are deeply troubling,” MURIC stated.