The Nigeria Customs Service has explained the reason for the demolition of its Secondary School's Mosque at Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, after the video of the demolition has gone viral on various social media platforms
Controller of The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller James Ojo in a statement made available to Edu-Biznews on Sunday by the Command's Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, said that a thorough investigation done by the command , revealed that the the mosque construction was initiated without approval, saying it
contradicts the master plan for the school and junior barracks premises, contrary to the allegations in the viral video that Officer in Charge of Building directed the demolition of an ongoing mosque construction
"It is important to note that there are ample facilities for religious activities within the Command’s jurisdiction, including mosques and a chapel in the border area, as well as in the CAC’s residence, senior and junior officers’ barracks", the command stated
The mosque within the junior barracks according to the command, was recently renovated and expanded under the same Officer in Charge of Building.
Comptroller James Ojo who personally intervened in the matter , said that the command was committed to laying the foundation for a new Mosque at a designated site within the premises
He assured that necessary support would be given to ensure a timely completion of the mosque project in line with the Command’s protocols.
" We call on all esteemed stakeholders to exercise patience and understanding while respecting the sensitivity of religious matters.
The command further cautioned the school administration to uphold harmony and good relations within and around the barracks community.
Meanwhile the Ogun State Muslim Council has set up five-man team led by its Legal Adviser,Barr. Lawal Orisadare, whose members have been engaging with the Nigeria Custom Service on the proposed new mosque
The State Secretary-General of the council, Asiwaju Kamal'deen Akintunde,ESQ in a statement made available to Edu-Biznews on Sunday, listed members of the team to include OMC Ipokia LG Coordinator (and member, Yewa Muslim Community), Alh. Khalid-Salako Uthman; Ustaz Abdul-Kabir Abanikanda (Robita) and Chairman,Yewa division of NACOMYO, Alh. Muritada Falana.
On the other hand, The Nigeria Customs Service team consisted of Comptroller, Area 1 Command, Mr. James Ojo, Deputy Superintendent of Customs/o/c Building, Sunday Botson,l; PRO Area 1 Command, CSP H.B.Oloyede, Principal, Customs Secondary School, Idiroko, Mrs Enenta Oguchukwu Irene and School Arabic and Islamic Studies teacher, Imam Abdul-Hakeem Adedotun.
He added that the council had taken interest on the matter, so as to ensure
ensure peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the Gateway state."
The State Muslim also explained in the statement that the construction of the mosque was borne out of the need to get a suitable place of worship for the students within a reasonable distance, notwithstanding the existing mosques in the locality
A philanthropist according to the council, had offered to assist in building the new mosque
The State Muslim Council blamed the demolition of the mosque on the negligence on the part of the School Principal and the school
Imam whom they claimed failed to
get the nod of NCS authority before embarking on the ill-fated construction
"Similarly, the inaction of the Chairman of the School Management Board who failed to communicate or process the request to construct a mosque to authority did not help matter,and thus precipitated the avoidable scenario"
"There was no intention to undermine or frustrate the mosque construction nor discriminate against any faith, more so, that the Service Command (NCS) has a good proportion of Muslim officers whose children and wards attend the Nigerian Custom Secondary School,Idiroko".
"After harmonious deliberations, the NCS Ogun Area1 Service Command and OMC team thus agreed that a new site that will conform with the Custom Barracks Master plan be located for immediate construction of the mosque (project)," the council stated
Both parties have expressed satisfaction with new place for construction
The Muslim Council, however cautioned people in position of authority to always be mindful of their action or inaction saying such action has consequential implications and can undermine peace and harmonious relationship among other consequences
"Leaders and followers should exercise restraint and due diligence in reacting to issues "
"Above all, OMC acknowledges the role of stakeholders, including YEWA MUSLIM COMMUNITY, MURIC, NACOMYO, Muslim Media Watch Group MMWG (National) and individuals within and outside the state that have expressed concern and intervened one way or the other.", the council concluded
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