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

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

Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life

A dispute over a ₦4,000 debt has turned deadly in Ogun State, as the Ogun State Police Command arrested a man, Lekan Lasisi, for allegedly killing his stepbrother during an argument in Abule Tuntun, Odeda Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on December 19, following a heated confrontation between the suspect and the deceased over the latter’s repeated habit of incurring debts, according to police sources.

Lasisi reportedly became enraged after being confronted by several of his stepbrother’s creditors, who allegedly demanded that he settle the outstanding debts on behalf of the deceased.

According to the suspect, the disagreement escalated when his stepbrother allegedly attempted to attack him with a cutlass. In response, Lasisi claimed he brought out a locally made gun, stating that he is a hunter, but the weapon accidentally discharged, fatally wounding his stepbrother.

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In an interrogation video circulating on social media, Lasisi narrated that on the day of the incident, the deceased had gone to the market to sell garri. While heading to the bus stop, he was approached by a woman who claimed the deceased owed her ₦4,000.

“When my brother returned from the market, I confronted him about the debts and the shame it was bringing on the family,” Lasisi said. “He became aggressive and brought out a cutlass. I brought out my gun, but it went off accidentally. I did not intend to kill him.”

Lasisi admitted to firing the gun but maintained that the shooting was unintentional. He appealed to the government to show mercy, citing the poor health of their elderly mother and another sibling who is currently bedridden.

“I was worried when it happened. I rushed to help him immediately. I am pleading for mercy because my mother is sick and has no one to care for her,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation.

“It happened on December 19, and the matter has been transferred to SCID,” the police spokesperson said.

The incident adds to a growing list of fatal disputes over small sums of money across the country. A similar case was reported last week in Delta State, where a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his cousin during an argument over the refund of a ₦1,000 contribution following a family burial in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life