Hijab: Five Injured As Kwara Announces Reopening Of Schools

Pandemonium broke out Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara state capital following state government’s directive for the reopening of shut grant-aided schools in the state.

No fewer than five persons were reportedly injured in a clash between some Muslim and Christian groups over wearing of hijab.

It was gathered that both Muslim and Christian groups engaged themselves in war of words and eventually threw stones at themselves over resumption of the schools, thereby injuring many people.

Many people were seen with blood on their heads as they sustained injuries from stones thrown at them.

It was also gathered that the chaotic situation happened at Baptist Secondary school, Surulere and ECWA School, Oja Iya, both in the Ilorin metropolis, as law enforcement agents were quickly drafted to the places to return normalcy.

It was reported that the law enforcement agents had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the rampaging crowd from the scenes.

The state government had late Tuesday night announced the reopening of the schools, saying the peace-talk on the vexed issue continues.

The state government argued that its policy of allowing female Muslim students to wear hijab in the grant-aided schools is aimed at entrenching peace and harmony.

The affected schools closed by the state government over three weeks ago over hijab hoopla include Cherubim Seraphim College, St Anthony College, ECWA School, Baptist Secondary School and Bishop Smith Secondary School all in Ilorin.

Others are CAC Secondary School, St. Barnabas Secondary School, St. John School, St. Williams Secondary School and St. James Secondary School all also in Ilorin.