Iseyin, Oyo State – A violent incident on Eid day involving an attack on a Muslim family by members of the Christ Apostolic Church has led to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) sanctioning the church. The attack, captured in a widely circulated video, has drawn condemnation from both CAN and the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC).
Apostle Sunday Ogundairo, the CAN chairman in Iseyin Local Government, confirmed reports that the church’s pastor and some congregation members were responsible for the assault on Mr. Sulaimon AbdulAzeez and his two wives. The victims alleged that the pastor hired soldiers to carry out the attack due to a dispute over the slaughtering of a ram facing the church.
Following the incident, CAN has taken action by sanctioning the pastor and ordering the relocation of his church. Efforts are underway to facilitate discussions aimed at restoring peace within the community. The attack has sparked widespread outrage, with MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, attributing the violence to a previous dispute over noise pollution that had been addressed by the king of Iseyin.
Prof. Akintola decried the soldiers’ actions as ‘unjust, callous, and inhuman,’ calling for a swift investigation and punitive measures against those involved. Emphasizing the importance of timely justice, he urged the authorities to act promptly to address the atrocity, stating that any delays would be deemed unacceptable.
The incident, happening on Sallah day, June 16, 2024, as the Muslim family was preparing to slaughter their Sallah ram, has highlighted tensions within the community. The call for justice and accountability resonates as stakeholders work towards resolving the aftermath of the attack and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in Iseyin. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding common ground and fostering understanding among the different religious groups involved.