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

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.

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.

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