Kwara State Police Command has admonished muslim faithful and traditional to restrain from utterances capable of inciting conflict as a result of the cancelled Isese festival in the state capital.
The advice was contained in a press release by the command’s spokesperson, Ajaki Okasanmi.
In the release, Okasanmi claimed that both divides have inundated the social media platforms with inciting videos capable of causing social unrest in the state, thereby noting that the State Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi had invited both religious bodies for a parley meeting as they were given the opportunity to voice their resentments.
According to the statement, the CP also urged the two faith to sheath their swords and resolve the issue around amiable discussion.
“Finally, the command wishes to emphasize that while the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution is sacred, respect for the culture and tradition of the people in a particular community is also important.”
The City Gazette recalls Islamic scholars had kicked against a planned traditional ceremony called “Isese festival” by the traditional worshippers in Ilorin, with the muslim community claiming the city was reputed for its agelong practice of Islam.