Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has sanctioned a pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church for allegedly attacking a Muslim family in Iseyin during the EId-el-Kabir festival.
A viral video was captured in a widely circulating video which has been condemned by various religious groups.
CAN chairman in Iseyin local government, Apostle Sunday Ogundairo, disclosed that the pastor and some of his congregation were involved in attacking Mr. Sulaimon AbdulAzeez and his two wives.
The victims alleged that the cleric had hired soldiers to attack them, while claiming that the ram they family slaughtered for the festivity was done facing the church.
Apostle Ogundairo confirmed that the pastor had been sanctioned by CAN, and ordered to find a new location for his church.
He also stated that talks are ongoing with the Muslim community to maintain peace in the area.
The Muslim Rights Council (MURIC) through its Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, attributed the incident to a misunderstanding between the family and the church over noise pollution, which had previously been addressed by the king of Iseyin.
“The pastor of a church located opposite their house protested that the ram was placed in a position facing the church and immediately mobilised his congregation who invited soldiers from the barracks.
“This is an unjust, callous and inhuman behaviour on the part of the 20 soldiers. We demand justice. We call on the army to investigate, apprehend and punish the belligerent military personnel involved in this atrocity without unnecessary delays. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Akintola said.
