MURIC OYO CHAPTER CONDEMNS MASQUERADE ATTACK ON MUSLIMS

28^th July, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC OYO CHAPTER CONDEMNS MASQUERADE ATTACK ON MUSLIMS  

It has come to the attention of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, that a masquerader named Lobanika, during his public outing on Friday, 25^th July, 2025, assaulted an Imam walking on the street by using a stick to snatch the cap on the Imam’s head. Not only that, the masquerade also stormed Oṣaro market on the same day and attacked another Muslim with a cutlass.

MURIC strongly condemns this barbaric act, as our motto stands firmly on the principle of “Dialogue, Not Violence.” This act is absurd, criminal, demeaning, nonsensical and completely unacceptable.

In a multicultural and religiously diverse state like ours, peaceful coexistence must be preserved. Therefore, we urgently call on all stakeholders of the Egungun Festival to take immediate and firm action by cautioning and controlling all those involved in masquerade outings.

However, in view of the alleged reprisal attacks by Muslims in Ogbomosho, we call for caution. Two wrongs do not make a right. We appeal to Muslims to exercise patience.

MURIC  urges the security operatives in the area to warn all masquerades against assaulting Muslims or attacking mosques. These are the kind of actions that can escalate the crisis.

Meanwhile we particularly call the attention of the authorities and the public to the Ololu Masquerade Festival, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, 28th July 2025 in Ibadan. Based on multiple reports from concerned bodies, there is growing anxiety that this upcoming festivity might lead to further unrest.

We hereby urge the Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to act promptly and decisively to prevent any form of assault or intimidation by masqueraders. The safety and rights of all citizens regardless of their religion must be guaranteed.

To our fellow Muslims across the state, we appeal for calm and restraint, as we await the necessary intervention and response from the authorities.

Amb. Malam Ibrahim Agunbiade,

Secretary,

Muslim Rights Concern

(MURIC),

Oyo State Chapter