Masquerade worshipers kill Imam

A 30-year-old Imam, Mr Lateef Amusa, has been killed during a festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He was allegedly shot by masquerade worshippers in Ijaiye on Sunday.

It was learnt that the late Amusa boarded a motorcycle and was going to Oke-Ejigbo when they ran into a procession of masquerade worshippers.

Sources said worshippers flagged down the motorcyclist but the cleric told him not to stop.

They said the worshippers blocked the way and an argument ensued.

It was gathered that the cleric was shot several times by some of the worshippers. He died immediately. His body was later evacuated by the police.

Amusa’s elder brother, Muftau, said: “I was relaxing with my friends on Sunday when somebody came to tell me that my younger brother had been killed by masquerade worshippers. I was told he met the masquerade worshippers on his way to Oke-Ejigbo and they shot him during an argument.”

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said four persons, including the masquerader, had been arrested.

Adejobi said: “The deceased and two others were on a bike when they ran into the masquerade’s entourage. We understand that there was a heated argument between them. Investigation revealed that others in the masquerade’s camp abandoned the masquerade after one of them shot and killed Amusa. The Commissioner of Police has ordered that all masquerade festivals be put on hold until further notice.”

Yesterday, Muslim youths burnt the home of one of the masqueraders, Leyin Ponle.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo has ordered a suspension of the masquerade festival.

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