Exclusive: BBC Yoruba finally breaks silence on Iseyin attack amid Muslim community’s outcry

Following widespread outrage from the Muslim community in Southwest Nigeria, BBC Yoruba has belatedly reported the brutal attack on a pregnant Muslim woman and her husband in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Salah day, June 16, 2024, acknowledging the incident after initial accusations of bias and neglect.

Afri Reporters earlier reported that the incident sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the media outlet of deliberate silence and partiality.

With the gory video clip of the unfortunate event flying across the Nigerian social media space, critics argue that if the incident were reversed, the BBC Yoruba would have extensively covered the story, highlighting the perceived double standard.

BBC Yoruba Service reacts

Responding to the outcry, the BBC Yoruba Service, in its report, profiled the incident almost eight days after it went viral by reporting on the cause of the clash, the parties involved and how Abdul Azeez Sulaiman, and his two wives, Nafeesah Imran and Ajarat Razaq, who were on face veils (Niqab), were severely brutalised.
The news outlet also interviewed the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Iseyin, Bishop Ogundairo Adeniyi, who faulted the man in the eye of the storm, Pastor Busari Stephen of Christ Apostolic Church, over his violent reaction.

How the blood bath happened in Iseyin

Recall that on Sunday, June 16, chaos and fear gripped Oke Imuse, Iseyin, Oyo State, as soldiers allegedly hired by Pastor Busari Stephen of Christ Apostolic Church launched a brutal attack on a Muslim family. Abdul Azeez Sulaiman, and his two wives, Nafeesah Imran and Ajarat Razaq, who were on face veils (Niqab), were violently assaulted with dangerous weapons at their home in Olobide Villa, shortly after they returned from Eid-Al-Adha prayers.

According to reports, the incident stemmed from a longstanding dispute between the Muslim family and the church over noise pollution, which prompted the intervention of the King of Iseyin to resolve the matter. The misunderstanding had been simmering before escalating into the violent clash on Eid al-Adha day.

MURIC and CAN reactions

Reacting to the incident, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) described the unfortunate attack as “an unjust, callous and inhuman behaviour on the part of the 20 soldiers.” It then called on the Nigerian Army to fish out the soldiers for attacking innocent Nigerians.

On its part, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has taken disciplinary action against the pastor, ordering him to relocate his church and acknowledging the harm caused by his actions.