CAN Sanctions Church Following Attack On Muslim Family Over Slaughtering Of Ram

Following a violent attack involving members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Iseyin, Oyo State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has imposed sanctions on the church. The incident, which targeted a Muslim family on Eid day, has sparked outrage.

A widely circulated video captured the attack, leading to condemnation from both CAN and the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC). CAN has strongly denounced the violence, emphasizing that it does not condone such behavior. The association has taken steps to discipline the perpetrators and ensure that the church adheres to its principles of peace and harmony.

MURIC has also condemned the attack, calling for swift justice and interfaith dialogue to prevent similar incidents in the future. The organization has urged religious leaders to promote tolerance and respect among their followers.

Apostle Sunday Ogundairo, CAN chairman for Iseyin Local Government, verified that the church’s pastor, along with some congregants, were implicated in the assault on Mr. Sulaimon AbdulAzeez and his two wives. This information was reported by Oyo Echo, a local newspaper.

The victims asserted that the pastor had enlisted soldiers to attack them due to their slaughtering of a ram facing the church.

In reaction, CAN has not only sanctioned the pastor but also mandated the relocation of the church. Discussions are ongoing to restore peace in the community.

The incident has incited significant outrage. Prof. Isiaq Akintola, MURIC’s Executive Director, linked the attack to a previous dispute concerning noise pollution, which had been addressed by the local king.

Akintola elaborated that the conflict occurred on June 16, 2024, as the Muslim family was preparing to slaughter their Sallah ram. The church’s pastor objected to the ram facing the church, leading to the involvement of soldiers.

Condemning the soldiers’ actions as “unjust, callous, and inhuman,” Akintola called for an immediate investigation by the army to arrest and discipline those responsible. He emphasized the necessity of swift justice, asserting that any delay would be intolerable.