The Ogun State command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), over the weekend, cleared the air over the demolition of a mosque at Customs Secondary School, Idiroko.
In a press statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Hameed Oloyede, titled, ‘clarification on viral video alleging mosque demolition at Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Idiroko,’ contradicts the master plan for the school and junior barracks premises.
According to the statement, the construction was initiated without approval even as there are facilities for religious activities within the Command’s jurisdiction, including mosques and a chapel in the border area.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, has been drawn to a recent viral video alleging that the Officer in Charge of building directed the demolition of an ongoing mosque construction at the Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Idiroko. Following a thorough investigation, it has been established that the mosque construction was initiated without approval. This contradicts the master plan for the school and junior barracks premises.”
“It is important to note that there are ample facilities for religious activities within the Command’s jurisdiction, including mosques and a chapel in the border area, as well as in the CAC’s residence, senior and junior officers’ barracks.”
Oloyede further disclosed that the Customs Area Controller of the command, Compt. James Ojo, is committed to laying the foundation for a new Mosque at a designated site within the premises.
According to him, the Comptroller said he would ensuring necessary support and timely completion of the mosque project in line with the Command’s protocols
Notably, the mosque within the junior barracks was recently renovated and expanded under the same Officer in Charge of Building.
“To foster mutual respect and address concerns, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, has personally intervened in this matter. He has committed to laying the foundation for a new Mosque at a designated site within the premises and ensuring necessary support and timely completion of the mosque project in line with the Command’s protocols.
“We call on all esteemed stakeholders to exercise patience and understanding while respecting the sensitivity of religious matters. The CAC further cautioned the school administration to uphold harmony and good relations within and around the barracks community,” Oloyede stated.