While other Muslims all over the world were celebrating the end of Ramadan 2018 with joy and thanksgiving, some Muslim faithful in Igboora, headquarters of Ibarapa Central local government, were fighting each other ownership of praying ground.
Machetes, clubs, stones and other dangerous objects were freely used during the tussle between the two communities of Igboora and Igbole.
An eyewitness, who is simply identified ad Wahab Ishau said trouble started after the Chief Imam of Igboora, Alhaji Jamiu Alobalowo led other Muslims to Igbole Muslim praying ground, but shortly after the prayer the Imam of Igbole and his Muslim supporters had waylaid them, accusing Alobalowo of having no right to lead prayer in the community as it is out of his jurisdiction.
The argument, Oyo Insight learnt, led to the exchange of dangerous weapons.
A popular butcher, Akilapa, was matcheted in the process.
Another eyewitness, Hammed Adesola, narrated that the Chief Imam of Igboora and his followers were stopped by Imam of Igbole on their way home after the prayer.
The latter was said to have confronted the former that he had no right to lead the prayer.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Alobalowo said the issue had long been settled by the court, adding that his going to Igbole praying ground has the backing of the court..
He decried the behavior of the Imam, saying it was out of ignorance and disrespect for court order.
Few minutes later, security agents were said to arrived the scene and led Alobalowo and his followers back home.
Oyo Insight later gathered that some aggrieved Muslims set the two cars belonging to their Baale of Igbole, Apostle Olusanjo Ojo, ablaze and vandalized his palace claiming that the Baale was in support of Igboora Muslims by giving backing to Alobolowo to lead Igbole Eid-l/fitr prayers.
Meanwhile, men of the Nigeria Police Force have made some arrest.
The Divisional Police Officer of the council area, Mr. Olaniyi Fadare was not available for reaction as he was said to be busy preparing the transfer of the case to Ibarapa Police Area Command, Eruwa, for further investigations.
For safety, unconfirmed information has it that the Baale is in safe custody
