Our correspondent learnt that there was no official report on the immediate cause of the religious crisis as of press time, but eyewitnesses claimed the Muslims who are predominant in the area allegedly unleashed mayhem on practitioners of other religions after the traditionalists (known as Isese adherents) insisted on performing a festival.
“Nigeria is a secular country and I don’t know why people can’t be allowed to practice their religion in peace,” a resident who identified himself simply as Simon told our correspondent.”The Isese people wanted to do their festival and the Muslim youths who were urged on by their leaders repeatedly warned the traditionalists such would not be allowed claiming that Ilorin and even the whole of Kwara State is an Islamic land. The Isese insisted on going ahead with their activities which resulted in violence yesterday as the Muslims attacked anyone perceived not to be one of them.
“Unfortunately, the Christians here were the worst hit as our people were mercilessly killed with many properties destroyed. Some are in the hospital now receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.”
One of the victims’ relatives, Emmanuel Adewunmi, spoke to newsmen, sharing the devastating impact on his family. “Many of my family members have been killed and injured,” he said, his voice filled with grief. “Others are still unaccounted for.”
Among the missing are Emmanuel’s brother, Johnson Tope Adewunmi, his pregnant wife, Christiana, and their one-year-old son, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to Emmanuel, Johnson was specifically targeted due to his work as an assistant pastor in a local church, making him a known figure in the Christian community.
In the violence, Johnson’s family house was reportedly set ablaze, with his aged parents tragically losing their lives in the fire.
Law enforcement and security agencies have condemned the incident and pledged to pursue a thorough investigation.
Officials have vowed to apprehend those responsible for the atrocity and assured the public that all efforts are underway to locate the missing persons.
Security forces are calling for calm, urging the community to cooperate with authorities to ensure justice is served.
The incident has left a sombre mood across Kwara State, with both community leaders and government officials calling for peace and an end to religious hostilities.
