Unrest in Lafiagi, as Religious Group and Youths Clash

There was a clash between a religious group and some youth in Lafiagi town, Kwara State, on Thursday the 15th of May 2014, which led to destruction of part of the Salafiya Central Mosque in Lafiagi.

The crisis was reportedly religious and sectarian in nature as members of the Salafiya were accused by their opponents of being extremist Islamists who are not being respectful to elders, authorities and even the Emir of Lafiagi. But the allegedly Salfiya sectaries denied all accusations leveled against them and said that they respect all constituted and religious authorities.

There was serious arguments, quarrels and even fights between the Salafiya sectaries and the youth of Efu Abu neighbourhood of Lafiagi town. The Central Mosque of the Salafiya members was seriously damaged by the angrily rampaging youth.

In any case the situation has been brought under control through the intervention of the elders and the police and all parties are now awaiting the arrival and final arbitration of the Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sa’adu Kawu Haliru who is presently on a medical checkup trip in far away India but is expected to be back in Nigeria and Lafiagi by the end of this month.

Source: Dr. Àmà Ndagi Abdullahi for Nupe Cultural Resource Centre (NCRC).