The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the invasion of a mosque and Imam’s house in Oke Agbe, Akoko, Ondo State, by masquerades who beat up the Imam’s wives and children.
The attack, which occurred on June 12, 2025, has been described as “weird, irrational, and barbaric” by MURIC.
According to MURIC, scores of masquerade traditionalists invaded the house and mosque of the Chief Imam, beating up his wives and children.
The victims were allegedly fined by the king of the town, who imposed a penalty of nine goats, seven sheep, and 200 pieces of kolanuts on the Muslim victims for “screaming and cursing the masquerades” instead of crying and begging.
MURIC described the king’s judgment as a “miscarriage of justice” and a “crude, archaic, parochial, and draconian” decision. The organization has demanded justice for the Muslim victims and urged the Ondo State Government to curb the excesses of the king.
MURIC also called on the Ondo State Police Command to arrest and prosecute the attackers, who are allegedly well-known in the community. The organization commended the police for allowing the Muslims to observe the Friday prayer the next day despite attempts to stop them.
The incident has raised concerns about the persecution of Muslims in Yorubaland, with MURIC alleging that Muslims face political marginalisation, economic strangulation, and social ostracism in the region.
The organisation called on the government to take steps to address these issues and ensure the protection of Muslims’ rights.
