By Ishola Balogun
The Muslim community in Alausa secretariat, Ikeja have expressed high level of disappointment with Governor Babatunde Fashola led administration over the demolition of mosques within the secretariat.

The demolition of the mosques was sequel to an Executive Order given by the Governor some weeks ago which placed a ban on all religious activities within the secretariat.  The mosques already pulled down were the one behind the Deputy Governor’s office and the other attached to the Ministry of Justice.

Others were located behind Ministry of Finance and Environment.  The order was on the premise of a security report from the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, Hakeem Odumosu alerting the government on the possibility of Boko Haram attack on Alausa secretariat.

We gathered that Odumosu noted in his report to the state Executive Council that religious activities in Alausa pose threats to security of lives and property in the area.

The order reads in part: “The current national security challenges compel government to pursue proactive policies to prevent criminal plans from crystallizing.

“In order therefore to ensure the protection of lives and properties within and around the Secretariat, it has become necessary to introduce the precautionary security measures outlined below.

“All religious activities within the Secretariat are hereby prohibited, including the conduct of Muslim activities behind the Ministry of Justice and behind the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Government Relations. All devotees are now to use the Central Mosque and the Chapel of Christ respectively, which have been provided for these purposes,” the order reads.

Muslims react

Some Muslims have expressed displeasures over the demolition which they described as being “insensitive to their plight.”

“Why did he (Fashola) give order for the demolition? This is a great disservice to the Muslim populace in this secretariat. Is the governor telling us not to serve our God again because of fear of attack and for how long would we be afraid of Boko Haram?” a concerned Muslim asked.

A woman who pleaded anonymity while coming from the  Secretariat Central Mosque described the action as “inhumane.”

“You can’t imagine the distance between our ministries and the central mosque. We have started feeling the pains as a result of walking long distance to the mosque and to make the matter worse, there was no water to perform ablution, we had to purchase sachet water for ablution. To some of us, it seems, there is an ulterior motive to discourage us from praying,” she said.

“What would the governor and the Executive Council achieve with this,” another woman interjected.

“Even with the curfew introduced in the states where Boko Haram activities are rampant, the group still continues their evil act. I do not think this is a wise decision,” she said.

At the central mosque when we visited, scores of worshipers were seen performing ablution with sachet water.

They were lamenting over the demolition of the secretariat mosques and the stress from the place to the central mosque but declined speaking to press.

One of them who simply gave his name as Adewale cautioned the executive council against unpopular decision.