Muslim Group Condemns Demolition of Baptist Primary School 1, Idikan, Alleges Religious Bias

The Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOS) has strongly condemned the demolition of Baptist Primary School 1, Idikan, describing the action as an act of injustice, religious bias, and a direct assault on public education and communal coexistence in Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, an executive member of MUSCOS, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, accused those behind the demolition of deliberately disrupting the education of children from the Idikan community, noting that the majority of pupils of the affected school are Muslim children from the host community.

Demolition

Agunbiade described the school as a historic public primary school that has served Idikan for decades, stressing that its destruction goes beyond the loss of infrastructure and represents an attack on the future of vulnerable pupils.

The MUSCOS leader further expressed outrage over reports that the demolished school premises had been converted into a religious crusade ground, calling the development “morally indefensible” and a clear indication of religious marginalisation.

“A public school was demolished, yet the same space is now being used for religious activities. This contradiction raises serious concerns about the motives behind the demolition,” Agunbiade said.

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He argued that if the action was based on legal or ownership issues, the appropriate approach should have involved dialogue, due process, and lawful resolution, rather than what he described as forceful demolition followed by religious appropriation.

According to him, the incident threatens peaceful coexistence and deepens religious divisions in a state known for tolerance and pluralism, warning that no religious institution should advance its interests at the expense of children’s right to education.

MUSCOS has therefore called on the Oyo State Government to provide a clear and transparent explanation on how the demolition was approved, as well as to ensure full accountability for all parties involved in authorising and executing the action.

The group also demanded the urgent provision of alternative learning facilities for displaced pupils before January 5, 2025, the reconstruction of new classrooms on the demolished site, and firm assurances that public schools and public assets would be protected from arbitrary destruction or religious repurposing.

Demolition

Agunbiade reaffirmed MUSCOS’ commitment to peaceful advocacy, justice, and the defence of the educational rights of Nigerian children, regardless of religious background.

“The destruction of a school is the destruction of opportunity. Society is poorer when education is sacrificed,” he added.

The Oyo State Government and the Baptist Church are yet to officially respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Muslim Group Condemns Demolition of Baptist Primary School 1, Idikan, Alleges Religious Bias

Security Operatives Seal Bagudo General Hospital After Early Morning Explosion

Panic swept through Bagudo, Kebbi State, in the early hours of Tuesday following a loud explosion at the General Hospital, prompting the immediate deployment of a joint security team to secure the area.

A combined force of police officers, military personnel, and vigilante groups was mobilised to cordon off the hospital and its surroundings, as residents expressed fear over the incident.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman Anisma, said specialised EOD–CBRN teams were on ground conducting a detailed assessment of the situation.

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According to him, no casualties were recorded, though a building within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage. The affected occupants were safely evacuated without injury.

Anisma added that the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State has ordered reinforced security measures, including additional tactical deployments, to maintain public order and prevent further threats.

He noted that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

The police urged residents to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the hospital to allow security and investigative operations to continue unhindered.

Security Operatives Seal Bagudo General Hospital After Early Morning Explosion

Lagos Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers Along Lekki–Epe Expressway

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected traffic robbers along the Lekki–Epe Expressway within the last two weeks, following mounting complaints from motorists over the theft of vehicle parts during traffic gridlock.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Tactical Squad, Elemoro, at different locations along the busy corridor, according to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi.

“Fourteen suspected traffic robbers have been arrested by the Tactical Squad, Elemoro, within the last two weeks at different locations along the Lekki–Epe Expressway,” Adebisi said in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

She described the arrests as a clear demonstration of the command’s commitment to improving security and protecting road users, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

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“See something, say something,” the police spokesperson added.

The arrests come amid heightened public concern over traffic-related robberies in the Lekki axis, where criminals are accused of exploiting heavy congestion to steal car mirrors, covers and other vehicle parts, often under the guise of begging or street trading.

Earlier, popular tech influencer Fisayo Fosudo raised alarm on social media, lamenting repeated attacks on his vehicle.

“Today makes it the fourth time that these boys on the street will steal my car’s parts in Lagos traffic,” Fosudo wrote on X.

His post triggered further reactions from motorists, including warnings that certain vehicle models are being deliberately targeted. One user cautioned that RX 350 models (2017–2022) are frequent targets at night along the Lekki–Epe corridor, noting that stolen side mirrors can cost over ₦100,000 to replace.

Residents have long complained that criminals exploit traffic gridlock on the Lekki–Epe Expressway to snatch valuables and vehicle parts, eroding public confidence and road safety.

The police said investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, adding that increased patrols and tactical operations have been deployed to curb the menace and restore confidence among motorists using the route.

Lagos Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers Along Lekki–Epe Expressway