Iseyin, Nigeria — A troubling altercation involving members of the Christ Apostolic Church against a Muslim family in Iseyin, Oyo State, has prompted intervention from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which has imposed sanctions on the church involved. The attack, which coincided with the Muslim celebration of Eid, has ignited widespread condemnation and highlighted underlying community tensions.
The incident that unfolded on June 16, 2024, was captured in a video that soon went viral, drawing sharp criticism from both religious and secular groups, including CAN and the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC). It involved the violent assault against Mr. Sulaimon AbdulAzeez and his two wives, reportedly instigated by the local pastor and several congregants over a dispute related to religious practices.
According to accounts from the victims and witnesses, the contention began when the pastor objected to the direction the AbdulAzeez family faced their ram during slaughtering—a ritual part of their Eid celebration—which was towards the church. This act, perceived as provocative, led to the escalation of hostilities.
Responding to the uproar, Apostle Sunday Ogundairo, the CAN chairman for Iseyin Local Government, confirmed the involvement of the church’s leadership in the altercation. He mentioned that not only has the pastor been sanctioned but also directives have been issued for relocating his church to foster peace in the community.
The reaction from MURIC has been particularly fierce. Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, linked the attack to an ongoing issue of noise disputes previously addressed by the local monarch. He denounced the involvement of soldiers, allegedly summoned by the pastor, in the assault as “unjust, callous, and inhuman.”
Prof. Akintola has called for an urgent response from the army to investigate, arrest, and duly punish the soldiers implicated in the incident. He stressed the importance of prompt action, declaring that “justice delayed is justice denied,” and emphasized the need for immediate resolution to prevent further injustice.
The broader response has involved continuous dialogue among community leaders, aimed at reconciling the disturbed relations between the religious communities. These discussions are crucial in a region where religious cohesion is often tested by such divisive incidents.
As the investigation progresses, the community of Iseyin looks toward healing and stronger enforcement of mutual respect among its diverse religious populace. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of interfaith harmony and the continuous effort required to maintain peace in multi-religious societies.