Saraki, Ilorin Emir attacked at prayer ground

Not everyone who turned up for prayers at the Eid Praying Ground in Ilorin today came with the sole intention of offering supplications to Allah, as it turned into an avenue for some worshippers to vent their anger on those the felt were responsible for their economic plight.
There was pandemonium as some worshippers attacked dignitaries at the event, amongst them the Senate President, Dr. Olusola Saraki , the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, and many political figures who turned up at the venue.
Others in the line of fire included the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alh. Muhammadu Bashir, ex- sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad, ex-Speaker Razak Atunwa (now a member of the House of Representatives) Rep Amuda Kannike, a former National Chairman of the PDP, Alh. Kawu Baraje, the Taliban of Ilorin, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, members of the State House of Assembly, all the Baloguns, Magajis and prominent leaders in Ilorin Emirate.
It was gathered that the state’s governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed may have been aware of security reports, as he, went to Share, his hometown, to observe the prayers.
The protesters were said to be angry over the non-utilization of the bail out funds given to the state by the Federal Government to offset workers’ salaries before the sallah holidays to enable them enjoy the period.
Some of them alleged that their economic wellbeing was sacrificed on the altar of politics.
Although the prayer was fixed for 10am, there was tension as early as 8am at the Eid Praying Ground.

Read also: I am being prosecuted because I’m Senate President, says Saraki

It was evident that most worshippers were out for showdown because initial sermon segment of the Sallah celebration fell on deaf ears.
As Saraki and others arrived the praying ground, there were intermittent shouts of “Ole! Ole!! Ole!!! (Thief, thief, thief).
Others were shouting “Ebi n pa wa!” “Ebi yii tito Saraki!””A o ki run, e fun wa lounje”( We are hungry, enough of hunger Saraki, give us food, teach us how to fish.”
The thunderous vituperations were hardly subsided when stones and missiles were thrown at the dignitaries.
The police, security agents, and members of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, battled spiritedly to curtail the protesters who remained defiant. There were sporadic firing of teargas canisters by the police and security agents to disperse the crowd.
After about 30-minute protest, temporary calm was restored which gave way for the observance of the two Nafilats (prayers).
But as the dignitaries were filing out , the protesters started hurling missiles again, and Saraki and other dignitaries had to whisked away under tight security cover.

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