When followers of traditional religions entered a mosque in Ile-Ife, Osun state, and attacked some Muslims who were praying, at least six people were reportedly hurt.
On Thursday, March 30, at 4 p.m., the Muslims were inside the mosque for the 4 p.m. prayer when the traditionalists attacked the mosque while they were performing the Oro ritual.
The Oro devotees had warned citizens to avoid certain localities on Wednesday, March 29, by announcing that the Oro ritual will be performed in those locations between 2pm and 7pm.
The Muslims went about their regular schedule on the said day and the Oro worshippers invaded the mosque located at Idi-Omo, Ilare around 4 pm to disperse the worshippers who were performing ablution inside the perimeter fence of the mosque.
They allegedly came with canes and started flogging Muslims who were performing ablution.
The Imam, Alhaji Abdullateef Adesiyan, was beaten with a cane.
The Muslims in the mosque called for help and other Muslims began to gather, causing the traditionalists to run away.
The injured Muslims were later taken to hospital for treatment.
The police immediately deployed officers to the area and they commenced an investigation.
Members of the Muslim community in Ile-Ife, Osun State staged a protest on Friday, March 31, following the attack.
Reacting to the attack, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, called for peace and orderliness.
Mr Adeyeye gave the charge on Friday through his deputy, Obalufe of Ifeland, Idowu Adediwura.
He said as the royal father of Christians, Muslims and traditionalists and as a leader who championed peaceful coexistence globally, there was no reason why his home should be in turmoil.
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