In the face of surge in ritual killings, the Islamic scholars and organizations on Sunday peacefully protested against the ritual killings in Iwoland in Osun State.
Speaking during the protest, Dr. Shafi’i Abdulazeez Bello, the Ameer Ansrul-Huda Islamic Organization said the convergence is meant to express their collective stand.
He said that God himself frowns at killers and He said whoever died as a killer is doomed for hell.
Dr. Shafi’i Bello added that whoever caught in the act should be described as a non-Muslim.
In the same lane, Chief Imam of Central Mosque in Olota, Yunus Husaefat Al-Mukasif said one of inhumane acts that makes God angry is ritual killing.
He however refuted the notion that there are always Islamic scholars when ritual killers are apprehended.
“Every individual that wears cap, keep beards and maybe wear trousers below the ankle is called an alfa. Most of these so called do not have Indepth Islamic education.
“There is a dire need for parent to inculcate Islamic education in their children. Prophet Muhammad said “train your children and it will benefit you.” Al-Mukasif said.
Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullateef Ola-Shamsad who is the Khalifa Shamsad of Iwo Branch said the continuation of peace in Iwoland must be maintained.
“I was in Ibadan ereyesterday and a boy who is an electrician came around to help out with our power generator set. So, someone came around and hailed me ‘Baba Iwo’, the engineer turned around and said ‘you are from Iwo, sir? That place they do kill people.”. I was shocked and sad. This is part of what we are saying they have tarnished the image of this land.” he narrated.
“What are we looking for in this world? Is the world more than this? Alfas that are not into all these things are also successful in life, so why? We just want to clarify and sanctify the Islamic picture they are giving these evil doers.” he stated.
Additionally, Alhaji Ibraheem Mudashir, the Chairman Muslim Community of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State said the peaceful protest is to say the Muslims do not want social vices in Iwoland again.
“We are known for two vocational engagements: Islamic scholarship and selling of animals meats. Blemishes are not being spread on the first job we are known for all over the world. All and sundry here are Islamic scholars.
“God is all knowing, He knows beyong us. Even we think that they are good people, but it subsequently become known that they are otherwise. We are sure those who into it won’t be here.”
Also, Alhaji (Prince) Bilamin Adebayo Akanbi, an Imam Ratibi said the peaceful protest is born out of making the Muslims in Iwoland’s stand be known.
“We want an end to it. Iwo is a revered town for Islam and must be so. We come out en mass to make our stand known, which is against ritual killings they label Iwo Alfas of. We, Imam Ratibi are against it. Islam is against it. Sharia shall be applicable to any perpetrator caught.” Alhaji Akanbi said.
By the way of addition, Alhaji Abdulwahab Thaminu who is the Cheif Imam of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) in Iwoland said Islam frows at killers and whoever killed shall end up in hell fire.
“We from Iwo and Ayedire come together, held a meeting and asked ourselves if we would continue to be onlookers. We feel we must come out and talk about it.
“We have approached different organizations and persons. We have told Imam to continue preaching about it.” he said
He afterwards ask the government at all levels to melt out judgement on any perpetrators found without favoritism in line with the constitutions of Nigeria .
