Following an order by Governor Babatunde Fashola, banning religious activities within Lagos State secretariat, the state government, weekend, demolished over three mosques and relocated churches in the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
Fashola, in the order, had based the decision on the need to strengthen security at the secretariat in view of the spate of bomb attacks in some parts of the country and urged devotees to use the central mosque and the secretariat chapel for their prayers.
The mosques, which were reduced to rubbles, were located behind Ministries of Justice, Finance, Environment while the one behind the state Public Service Commission, PSC, which was not demolished but its entrance completely blocked.
A visit to the secretariat, showed Muslim faithful, who frequently pray at the affected mosques, were seen in groups discussing the development.
It was further learnt that the demolition was carried out weekend to avoid violent reaction.
It was further learnt that efforts by Muslims, who are members of the state executive council to make the governor have a rethink on the decision they considered anti-Islam fell on deaf ears.
Sources said the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, had alerted the governor on the need to carry out the measure due to the possibility of Boko Haram sect attacking from places of worship. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I wonder what will happen to the places of worship in Bauchi, Kano and Yobe State Secretariat. If the motive is genuinely to prevent lives and properties, any sensible individual will support it, however, I am sure that we will all know the real reason behind this action in no distance future.
ReplyDeleteFashola is a Muslim. Religion should be separated from the state. Why should we have Mosques or Churches within the secretariat? There is a big mosque and church outside the secretariat. Worshipers should go there. There is no reason behind this. We shouldn't allow sentiments to blind simple rationality.
ReplyDeleteDemolishing Mosques/churches? I think this man is a member of Boko Haram.
ReplyDeleteGentlemen, pls lets be decent in our comments and patriotic while reacting to decisions of our leaders. The governor demolished the mosque and provided an alternative, so where did he go wrong?
ReplyDeleteIs there alternatives before demolition? If YES then the ACTION is acceptable.
ReplyDelete