Ilorin Emirate Youths writes, warns CAN, others over hijab as school resumes

Ahead of the resumption date for schools shutdown by the Kwara State Government over use of hijab by Muslim female students, the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) has warned members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against any planned protest that may ignite religious crisis in the state.

The group also advised CAN to embrace peace and tranquility in the state, stressing that the nation is currently bedeviled with series of challenges ranging from religious, social, economic crisis, as well as banditry, kidnapping, unemployment and infrastructural deficit among others, which require collective concerns.

IEYDA in a statement issued on Sunday by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen, and National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Uthman Jagunma, raised the alarm over threat issued by CAN in a bid to spurn court order and government’s decision on the matter.

The group, however, commended the leadership of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the state government committee made up of representatives of both faiths for their peaceful resolution, understanding and patriotism over the matter, stressing that, “All efforts to fuel ember of religious crisis in Kwara State by some elements shall not see the light of the day.

“It is expected that Nigerians should be overwhelmed by the numerous challenges in the land and not work towards adding to it. Rather, let’s work together and organize national prayers and fasting to tackle kidnapping, youths restiveness and joblessness nationwide and desist from condemning matter capable of promoting morality among our children and wards.

The statement therefore warned that, “The point of law is clear enough and the government has prononunce its decision. Let the rule of law be respected because this is part of the commandments of God in the holy scriptures.

“Ilorin city symbolizes peace and Kwara is a state of harmony. When the chips are down, we have no where to go as indigenes, that is why we remain committed towards ensuring that no crises is fuelled, sponsored or coordinated by any group or association in our state.”