Hijab: Tension as hoodlums attack churches, schools in Ilorin

The crisis over hijab (veil) wearing in Christian grant-aided
mission schools took a violent turn Monday in Ilorin, Kwara state
capital.

Scores of hoodlums allegedly vandalised churches, shops and
schools in Sabo-Oke, Muritala Mohammed way and other areas of the
metropolis.

Other places affected include Post Office, Surulere and Maraba
where churches and Christian schools are located.

It took combined efforts of officers and men of the Kwara State
Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
and the Nigeria Army to prevent the break down of law and
order.

This tense situation sent fears and apprehension down the spines
of residents of the areas.

The hoodlums allegedly brandished machetes, cutlasses, bottles
and other dangerous weapons, while marching through some roads in
the metropolis.

It was also gathered some of them wore masks apparently to cover
their identity.

Though the gate of the Cherubim and Seraphim College Sabo Oke
Ilorin was securely locked, the hoodlums hauled stones and other
dangerous missiles into the premises even with the presence of
military operatives stationed at the entrance gate of the
school.

The violence also spread to St. Barnabas LGEA primary school,
Murtala Muhammad way, Ilorin and some churches in the area.

Kwara state police command spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi, said
the prompt intervention of men of the command nipped the situation
in the bud.

He said that normalcy had since returned to schools and business
communities in the metropolis.

The crisis over hijab (veil) wearing in Christian grant-aided
mission schools took a violent turn Monday in Ilorin, Kwara state
capital.

Scores of hoodlums allegedly vandalised churches, shops and
schools in Sabo-Oke, Muritala Mohammed way and other areas of the
metropolis.

Other places affected include Post Office, Surulere and Maraba
where churches and Christian schools are located.

It took combined efforts of officers and men of the Kwara State
Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
and the Nigeria Army to prevent the break down of law and
order.

This tense situation sent fears and apprehension down the spines
of residents of the areas.

The hoodlums allegedly brandished machetes, cutlasses, bottles
and other dangerous weapons, while marching through some roads in
the metropolis.

It was also gathered some of them wore masks apparently to cover
their identity.

Though the gate of the Cherubim and Seraphim College Sabo Oke
Ilorin was securely locked, the hoodlums hauled stones and other
dangerous missiles into the premises even with the presence of
military operatives stationed at the entrance gate of the
school.

The violence also spread to St. Barnabas LGEA primary school,
Murtala Muhammad way, Ilorin and some churches in the area.

Kwara state police command spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi, said
the prompt intervention of men of the command nipped the situation
in the bud.

He said that normalcy had since returned to schools and business
communities in the metropolis.