Group Dismisses Rumour On Ban Of Hijab At Lagos NYSC Camp

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, May 21st, 2015

By Niyi Adeyi- The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has debunked the comment make the round Lagos metropolis that a female corps member still at the Iyana Ipaja State’s NYSC orientation camp was ordered to remove her hijab (head scarf).

The Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement issued in Lagos Thursday, indicated that having been inundated with calls and while social media went agog, on the matter, MURIC immediately set the machinery in motion to find out the veracity of the report, but to its surprise, it was discovered that the story was grossly exaggerated as no female Muslim corps member, he revealed “suffered such humiliation”.

“In view of the volatile nature of the Nigerian society and in view of the fact that Nigeria has witnessed too many religious riots which led to the shedding of blood and destruction of properties, we decided to nip the rumour in the bud before things went too far.

“A four-man team led by the Director of MURIC (and three other members) visited the NYSC camp at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, for proper investigation. The team was warmly received by the NYSC officials comprising the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC secretariat, the Camp Director and the Camp Commandant. Two female Muslim corpers at the center of the hijab imbroglio were also in attendance” MURIC explained.

The group reinforced that its findings showed that contrary to reports, no female Muslim corper was asked to remove her hijab and none had her hijab removed. The Director added that the concerned female corps members were all allowed to use their hijab except four of them “who wore extra-long hijab”, who he indicated were requested to reduce the length, to allow for camp activities.

MURIC Director revealed “Two of them complied while two refused. One of the two who refused also behaved rudely to the Camp Commandant who also happened to be a Muslim from the North”.

“The two corpers who refused to reduce their hijab were present at the meeting and we were able to counsel them. It is didactic that both of them confirmed that NYSC officials did not attempt to remove their hijab” the statement established.

Meanwhile, the group has warned the general public against spreading false and malicious information which were capable of causing public disorder, as well as charged Muslims to investigate reports properly before judging issues.

Professor Akintola observed that the peace and tranquility which had since reigned in Lagos State would have been disturbed over the minor issue, if urgent action had not been taken to douse the tension.

MURIC also insisted that there was no incident of the seizure of hijab or placement of ban on it, at the Lagos NYSC Camp, adding that the State’s NYSC officials and Camp Commandant have been treating the corps members in their care in “loco parentis”, hence, urged Muslims in the State Lagos and elsewhere to remain calm and law-abiding.