By editor
The Oyo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) has prevented a potential ethno-religious crisis in Oyo town through proactive and impartial handling of two volatile incidents.
The incidents involved a proposal by Islamic clerics to establish a Sharia Court and the subsequent public burning of the Quran by a traditionalist, both of which threatened national security and public peace.
An impeccable source within the DSS disclosed to Vanguard on Tuesday that the agency’s swift intervention ensured the de-escalation of tensions, which had generated significant uproar on social media.
The source emphasized that the DSS acted within its mandate to detect and prevent threats to national unity, cohesion, and security.
The crisis began when Islamic clerics announced plans to establish a Sharia Court in Oyo town. The DSS promptly invited the clerics for a sensitization session, where they were informed that only the Nigerian Constitution allows the establishment of courts.
Following this intervention, the clerics withdrew their proposal and later published a retraction in national newspapers.
The source stated, “Shortly after the Islamic Clerics announced plans to establish Sharia Court in the ancient town of Oyo in Oyo State, the State Command of the SSS invited them for an ‘Interview.’
“During the session, they were made aware of the fact that the establishment of a Court is a Constitutional matter, hence no individual or group can decide on it.
“The decision of the Clerics to drop the plan was made shortly after the sensitisation by the Service.”
In a related development, the DSS arrested a traditionalist who publicly burned the Quran and shared the act on social media.
It was learnt that the suspect, whose video included incitement and boasts of impunity, is being investigated and will face prosecution for offenses related to incitement, disturbance of public peace, and threats to national security.
The DSS attributed itso actions to professionalism and a commitment to preventing the escalation of incidents that could lead to widespread violence.
The agency stressed that its interventions were balanced and necessary to uphold national security.
“The balancing act doused the volatile situations, thereby preventing potential ethno-religious crisis, which would have threatened national security.
“If you listen to the video (by the traditionalist), which was made in Yoruba language, you would hear the suspect inciting the public by boasting that there will be no consequence for the action.
“Plans have been concluded to arraign the suspect in court for prosecution on offences bordering on possible incitement, disturbance of public peace and threat to national security.
“But for the efforts of the DSS, the situation would have degenerated to a point where youths of a particular region would have carried out attacks on people with different religious beliefs.
“The DSS is not driven by any factor other than professionalism, patriotism, national spirit and the need to protect national security from violation,” the source added.
