This recent development is not unconnected with the recent proclamation by the President that his administration might not hesitate to ban hijab if need be! This statement itself could ignite tension and promote hate actions by proponents of Islamophobia. The Presidency has since denied any such move.
We must learn from the past and avoid repeating old mistakes all over again. The rise of Islamophobia is not by accident in Nigeria and I have dozen of events to prove that. We have seen how devilish and dare-devil criminals have camouflaged in either Police or Army uniforms to rob their unsuspecting victims. A recent kidnap incident that got APC gubernatorial aspirant in Ondo entangled in their web is a pointer to say the least. Do we now say police or military uniforms should be banned for public occasions by their officers; isn't that nauseating?
Government has to adopt a wholly different approach to fight terrorism amid tensions of rights violation of Muslims. Activities of a handful of people can't be used as a template to send all Muslims on trial.
• Yusuf Afunku,
Lagos.
