A protest over the use of hijabs in public schools in Kwara state between Christians and Muslims turned violent, with one confirmed dead, and many other injured.
The ugly incident which occurred on Thursday, 3rd March, 2022 was triggered by the decision of the management of Oyun Baptist High School to prevent Muslim girls from wearing the hijab to school despite a contrary order by the Kwara State Government.
Confirming the death of one individual, an eyewitness said, ”The person that sustained gunshot in the head has been reported dead this afternoon. It was a peaceful protest before it was hijacked by sympathisers and hoodlums leading to these casualties “
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It took the intervention of the Kwara State Police Command to restore calm and normalcy to the area. This was confirmed in a statement by the Spokesman for the State police command.
He warned the residents of Ijagbo to embrace the peace that has been resolved, warning that anyone found disturbing the peace would be arrested and dealt with accordingly.
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Excerpts from the statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public, especially, citizens and residents of Ijagbo community and its environs, that, the Command’s Tactical units and conventional policemen deployed to Ijagbo have successfully restored peace and are also on ground to ensure that no further break down of law and order is allowed.
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” The above action is sequel to the crisis related to the wearing of Hijab in schools which matter has been in contention between the Christian and Muslim faithful in Kwara State. Of current concern was the breakdown of law and others between Ijagbo Community and protesting Muslim parents, where dangerous weapons were freely used.
“However, Kwara State Government delegation is already in Ijagbo to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
” The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, CP Tuesday Assayomo has appealed to the warring parties to embrace peace and shun any act that could jeopardize the current peace in the area, as the police have been directed to arrest anyone found in any way truncating the hard-earned peace in Kwara State, as such persons would be made to face the full wrath of the law, please.“
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