Attack On Muslim: Muric to Masqueraders – Violence is Unacceptable

It has come to the attention of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, that a masquerader named lobanika, during his public outing in Ogbomosho on Friday, 25th July, 2025.Violently assaulted a peacefully walking Imam by snatching the cap from his head using a stick. Also stormed Oṣaro market in Ogbomosho and attacked a Muslim brother with Cutlass.

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

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.

MURIC urged the security operatives to arrest the suspects without further delay. The Islamic human rights organisation called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attack and cautioned that the case must not be swept under the carpet.

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.

The group also appealed to Muslims in the state to refrain from attempting any reprisal attack.

Amb.Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade,

General Secretary,

Muslim Rights Concern
(MURIC) – Oyo State Chapter