By Damilola Kushimo
In the aftermath of the cult rivalry between One Minutes Boys and Eiye Cult groups in Akinbaiye, Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the Chief Imam of Isolo, Alhaji Olanrewaju Sodiq has counted his losses to the unfortunate incident.
Speaking with our correspondent, Alhaji Sodiq who expressed the shocking reality of the cult rivalry stressed that it was unprecedented given the fact that such has never happened in the community.
He however commended the Osolo of Isolo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka and the Council Chairman, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye as well as security operatives who ensured that peace and orderliness returned to the community.
He said: “We were caught unaware by the unfortunate incident. We never imagined it would escalate to any form of riot that it turned out to be but we thank God (Alhamdulilah).”
“Many properties were destroyed in the community in the course of the crisis, mosque windows got broken, and shops got damaged as well as vehicles including mine which was damaged almost beyond repair and had been grounded since then.
“It has affected me since it is the only one I have. It is the one we transit in when we have any religious outing and since the incident it has affected our mobility. Estimation for its repair is N600,000 and all hope is focused on Allah for that.”
Speaking on the proactive measure taken to ensure such occurrence do not appear in the community as a religious leader, the Chief Imam said sincere prayer has been offered to God on behalf of the unidentified hoodlums, while preaching at every possible means to ensure their hearts are touched wherever they are in order to possibly turn a new leaf.
“Through our preaching in mosque, we’ve spoken a lot to them and we won’t stop. Our king as well has taken preventive measures to ensure such do not happen again. With both efforts complimenting each other and other similar efforts, such will not occur in our community again.”
Meanwhile, the Commander, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Isolo LCDA, C.O Funmilola Adekile has reaffirmed the corps’ readiness and effort towards ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the community.
As reported by ECHONEWS last week, the clash which broke out between Eiye and One Minute Boys Cult groups on Monday, January 21, 2020 held the peace of the community to ransom by causing chaos and violence as the cult members vandalised properties and left many injured..
However, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana confirmed that 11 suspects have been arrested in relation to the clash.
They include Azeez Waisu (29), Hakeem Olawole (31), Jimoh Idowu (20), Sodiq Wahab (30), Ernest Okoro (24), Hassan Ogunremi (45), and Samiu Ajasa (33).
Elkana said effort is being made to arrest other members now at large, stating that investigation is ongoing and that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
Also speaking on the incident, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps Commander for Isolo, Mrs Adekile allayed the fears of While allaying the fear of possible re-occurrence assuring that the LNSC is on red alert to complement the efforts of other security operatives in protecting lives and properties.
