Fear of alleged IPOB attack grips Muslims in Oyigbo
Muslims living in Oyigbo in Rivers State are expressing fear that they may likely come under attack.
They say that persons suspected to belong to IPOB are discreetly threatening to deal with Yorubas and Northerners resident in the area if Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is eventually sworn in as the next President of Nigeria.
These indications are coming as Christians across the world prepare to celebrate Easter.
Already, Oyigbo based Muslims have reported their suspicions to the League of Imams and Islamic Scholars.
An Imam, Qazim Mobolaji who spoke with this medium on Thursday revealed that the Muslim community in Oyigbo which suffered similar attacks in the past has been receiving disturbing signals suggesting that alleged IPOB operatives might endanger their safety on or after May 29.
Mobolaji disclosed that although the Moslems have no difference with anyone, they are learning through credible channels that they would be targets if Tinubu, a Yoruba who won the 2023 elections is inaugurated as President.
Asked if the information of an impending attack was not a mere ruse, the Imam disclosed that such signals in the past were ignored with dire consequences.
It is not clear if the Moslems living in Oyigbo have brought the information of a potential threat before the police.
The Imam revealed, “Oyigbo Muslim ummah has been facing a lot of challenges and problems from so – called IPOB.
“During the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, two of our Muslim brothers were killed inside the Afam Road mosque. Their blood flowed, many secured injuries.
“During the campaign for the second tenure of Muhammadu Buhari, almost 11 of our brothers were killed, including the Imam of Afam Road Mosque who was marchetted.
“They removed all his teeth with a bar. The ENDSARS protest can never be forgotten by the Muslim ummah in Oyigbo.
“Muslim properties were looted by hoodlums, many were killed and burnt. Because of this, many Muslims have left Oyigbo.
“This is the same way the information came to us and we treated it with levity. I think it would be better for us to act on this before t occurs.
“Wether the information is genuine or not, I believe that in every rumour there must be an atom of truth.”
The Port Harcourt Telegraph put two calls across to the Police Public Relations Officer Friday morning, but her phone was switched off.