CAN wants overnight removal of two schools’ gates probed

Kwara State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has canvassed diligent investigations into the overnight removal of the main gates of ‘Cherubim and Seraphim’ and ‘Bishop Smith Memorial’ colleges in Ilorin.

The two schools are listed among the 10 grant-aided Christian missionary colleges, opposing the wearing of hijab as part of uniform. CAN, through its spokesman, Shina Ibiyemi, told The Guardian in Ilorin yesterday that some armed men in a branded Hilux van were spotted breaking the gates about 1.00 a.m. yesterday.

“The lights were abruptly put off in the areas for about 30 minutes. Then the persons came down from the vehicle, removed the gates and went away with the first half of it, then they came back to carry away the second half. Then electricity was restored after the dastardly act. That was the report the reliable witnesses gave us,” he said.

Ibiyemi urged the state police command to investigate the matter and bring culprits to book. He added: “They are the property of some people and whosoever has the gates in his possession must be made to face the full wrath of law.”

Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazak had, some five hours earlier, made a state-wide broadcast commending the religious leaders in the state for their show of maturity over the hijab imbroglio, just as he cautioned hoodlums and other trouble-makers to abstain from fomenting trouble under any guise.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, demanded an official report of the development “to enable the police investigate the matter.”