MURIC Oyo condemns masquerade attack, calls for protection of Muslims

Michael Olumide

In a shocking display of disrespect, a masquerader identified as Lobanika allegedly assaulted an Imam on the street, snatching the cleric’s cap with a stick during a public outing on Friday.”

Not only that, the masquerade also stormed Oṣaro market on the same day and attacked another Muslim with a cutlass.

According to the Secretary of the group,Oyo State Chapter, Amb. Malam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC, strongly condemned 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, given 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.