Juliana Francis
Members of the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) have stepped into a case, where a woman, Mrs Shittu, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State was ordered to stop praying by leaders in her community.
ACVPN member, Mr Toyin Okanlawon, who has been following the case, said the incident, which has infuriated many human rights fighters, happened at Oshugbo, Agbede community in Ikorodu.
The woman in question is alleging a threat to her life by a man identified as Atura. The man’s house is said to be opposite Shittu’s.
It was alleged that Atura was in the habit of threatening and abusing Shittu.
It was also said that the altercations between Atura and Shittu were becoming so serious that her children had become worried.
It was further said that the bickering, which was on the verge of escalating to the stage of violence had Shittu, that she now becomes petrified whenever she sees Atura.
Okanlawon, who is the case manager, said: “His case was at a time handled by Owutu Police Division and it was then charged to Court but the CDA and the Baale, all pleaded with the husband of the victim, and the case was withdrawn with many believing Atura must have learnt his lesson.
“However, the reverse is the case. After a few years, Atura started his trouble again by continually shouting and calling his neighbour a thief and ringing a bell on her. He allegedly said that he would be the person to kill her. The victim has become panicking and jittering anytime she sees Atura who lives opposite her house.
“The community leaders who pleaded on his behalf some years back had also been informed about his actions against Shittu, so they called both parties to ask what caused Atura’s rancour again.
“To the dismay of everyone, Atura alleged Shittu of praying in her shop every Monday and also calling fire in the name of Jesus.
“He further stressed that she also plays Christian songs in her shop anytime she feels, which he doesn’t like.
The case has, however, been reported to the Owutu Division of Ikorodu for proper action to be taken.
“Even the CDA executives are not telling Atura the reality of human rights freedom without infringement, but rather they asked Shittu not to always pray in her shop, which is attached to the house her husband built.”
Okanlawon said that every human being has rights which are fundamental and duly protected by the law of the land. He explained that it was these rights of all human beings that ACVPN will leave no stone unturned on the matter. He also stated that he believed that the Police will do the needful in ensuring that Shittu’s fundamental rights are respected in the community.
