The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Kwara State has accused the Muslims of killing, raping women and destroying church properties in the new year day crisis.
Speaking through its Kwara State Chairman, Prof. Timothy Opoola, on Tuesday, CAN said some female Christians who were returning home after the New Year ’s service were raped.
Some youths in the state reportedly attacked Christian and Muslim worship centres on Monday after they were prevented from organising a carnival for the New Year.
However, Opoola, during a media briefing in Ilorin, said it was some Muslim fundamentalists that attacked the churches and raped the women.
He said, “During the attack, they chanted Islamic slogans saying, ‘Allah Akbar, this land belongs to Muslims.’ They threw stones and destroyed the windows of the Christ Apostolic Church in the area when they could not gain access.
“In fact, some Christian worshippers returning home were raped. Some of the ladies ran into the Methodist Cathedral naked for safety.
“These Muslim fanatics broke the gate of the cathedral and destroyed the church building and some vehicles.
“The Muslims later moved to St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral and also destroyed the church building. The fundamentalists damaged two statues; those of St. Joseph and the resurrection scene.
“When the fundamentalists entered the cathedral, they robbed the worshippers of their phones, bags and other valuables.
“If the police and other security operatives had acted on time to curtail the unfortunate incident, the magnitude of the destruction would have been minimised.”
He said the state government must do something to prevent further attacks on churches and Christians in the state.
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