The new education policy in Osun State claimed its first casualty on Monday as fierce-looking Muslim youths invaded the Baptist High School, Ejigbo, and beat up the students and teachers. The principal of the school, Mr. Layi Oguntola, was thoroughly beaten and injured. Oguntola, as of the time of this report, was said to be receiving treatment at the Baptist Medical Centre, Ejigbo.
The attackers said they came because the school authorities stopped some Muslim pupils from wearing the hijab.
The hijab is a scarf that covers the head and chest, specially worn by a Muslim female.
Our correspondent learnt that the attackers stormed the school while the students were already seated in their classrooms.
They were said to have headed straight for the Principal's Office and asked Oguntola to apologise for sending the hijab-wearing students away from school but the principal refused to do so.
Tension started building in the town following the attack and the speculations that the attackers were also planning to set ablaze the United Baptist Church, close to the school.
Some Christian youths were also said to have mobilised to defend the church.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sunday Akere, confirmed the incident, which he described as an unfortunate one.
He appealed to the people of the state to shun violence, saying the state government in collaboration with security agencies would investigate and get to the root of the matter.
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