By Boluwaji Obahopo

Kogi State government has finally settled the prolonged feud between two Islamic groups in the state. The two groups had been at each other’s throat over who becomes the Chief Imam of Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu council area of the state.

The feud between the Central Mosque, Ilupa and Onah Mosque, both in Iyara, lasted  forty years causing many intra-religious crises between the two warring camps.The Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Area, Taufiq Isa who led the government delegation along with some security personnel settled the feud during a peace and security meeting with the warring parties in Lokoja recently.

Muslim faithfuls

The government prevailed on the feuding  factions to share the position equitably and work together as one united family.At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that Central Mosque, Ilupa, takes the Chief Imam position while Onah Mosque produces the Deputy Chief Imam. All representatives of thirty three elders and islamic scholars  signed  an agreement to that effect.The two parties also consented to the stoppage of a proposed turban ceremony of a central mosque scheduled to hold on 5th of May this year.

The state Islamic body, JNI, also agreed to work towards maintaining peace amongst the two parties and the Muslim communities in the state.Special Adviser on security to the state governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd) charged the council Administrator, Taufiq Isa to deploy resources and security to the appropriate quotas in respect of the development.Omodara however warned that in case of any further crisis, the leadership of Onah Mosque would be held responsible.