Security agencies avert religious crisis in Ilorin

Security agencies in Kwara State have been commended for the display of professionalism in managing what could have resulted into a bloody religious crisis between Muslim and Christian worshippers at Oke-Odo, Tanke area of Ilorin metropolis.

Metro gathered that adherents of the two faiths had mobilised their followers to a property in Oke –Odo on Christmas day in readiness for a showdown with one another.

It was also gathered that the development followed a purported plan to convert a structure on a piece of land in Oke-Odo to a worship centre, said to be contrary to the purpose for which it was acquired, thereby reportedly resulting in palpable tension in the area.

But with the swift intervention of operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who were said to have swooped on the feud parties, the situation was averted from degenerating into fracas.

It was gathered that a religious group in the area was uncomfortable with what a source referred to as a “subtle move” to locate another place of worship near an existing mosque built almost two decades ago.

Some Muslim leaders, it was learnt, had earlier reported the brewing crisis to security agencies in the states.

However, a visit to the disputed property revealed normalcy had returned to the area as members of the community were seen going about their normal business without any molestation.

It was also observed that the controversial structures erected on the land had also been removed after the intervention by security agents and community leaders.

Expressing delight in the way security agencies managed the brewing crisis, a member of the shura of AsSunnah Academy and Research Centre Ilorin, Mallam Abdullah Habeebullah said the neutral role played by the security operatives and leaders of community  was impressive.