By Sylvanus OBASI
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made vital clarifications over a trending video alleging reckless demolition of a mosque at the Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Idiroko.
Customs made the clarifications in a press statement it issued on Monday, a copy of which was made available to PLATFORM REPORTERS and signed by CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, the Command’s Public Relations Officer.
PLATFORM REPORTERS got you covered with the full text of the statement which reads as follows:
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command has been drawn to a recent viral video alleging that the Officer in Charge of Building directed the demolition of an ongoing mosque construction at the Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Idiroko.
Following a thorough investigation, it has been established that the mosque construction was initiated without approval. This contradicts the master plan for the school and junior barracks premises.
It is important to note that there are ample facilities for religious activities within the Command’s jurisdiction, including mosques and a chapel in the border area, as well as in the CAC’s residence, senior and junior officers’ barracks.
Notably, the mosque within the junior barracks was recently renovated and expanded under the same Officer in Charge of Building.
To foster mutual respect and address concerns, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, has personally intervened in this matter. He has committed to laying the foundation for a new Mosque at a designated site within the premises and ensuring necessary support and timely completion of the mosque project in line with the Command’s protocols.
We call on all esteemed stakeholders to exercise patience and understanding while respecting the sensitivity of religious matters. The CAC further cautioned the school administration to uphold harmony and good relations within and around the barracks community”.
