Five injured as missionary schools in Kwara resist hijab

AT least five persons have been injured as Christians barricaded the main entrances of the 10 grant- aided Christian missionary schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, in protest against the use of hijab, insisting on the use of beret as head cover.

Hijab is a veil covering the head and chest worn by Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family. Kwara government had, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, through Mrs. Mary Adeosun, announced the re- opening of the 10 schools recently shut over the hijab crisis.

Adeosun, the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, said the government was convinced that its policy to allow willing Muslim female students to wear hijab in public schools would lead to sustainable peace anchored on mutual respect and understanding.

Yesterday, Christians, the original owners of the schools, mobilised their members as early as 6a. m. to all the schools with placards, vowing to defend their heritage even with their blood. On the other hand, Muslim parents equally mobilised themselves, urging their wards and children to adorn the hijab to the schools.

Baptist Secondary School, Surulere, was the worst hit. As the school’s gate was shut against the pro- hijab students, there was hauling of stones and other dangerous weapons.

Police and soldiers were drafted to disperse the protesters with tear gas and other security tools.

Consequently, the Chairman of Baptist Convention in the state, Dr. Victor Dada, urged the Federal Government to wade into the matter, noting that religious crises have no terminal date when left to escalate.

Dada, however, asserted that the whole weapons in the nation’s armoury would not deter Christians in the state from defending their her