Victims of an Almajiri centre in Kwara State report forced religious conversion, chaining, beatings, and child labor, alleging police complicity
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]hocking accounts have emerged from an Almajiri centre located in the Agbaji area of Kwara State, where victims allege they were subjected to forced religious conversion, brutal beatings, chaining, and child labor.
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Survivors recount harrowing experiences, including being forced to recite the Quran, drink concoctions, and hawk goods on the streets.
Victims allege they were brought to the centre, sometimes without their parents’ consent, and forced to abandon their personal beliefs.
They say they were subjected to isolation, beatings designed to “break their spirit,” and chaining to prevent escape.
One victim recounted spending nearly two years in the facility after being sent there for practicing Christianity instead of Islam.
Many of those in the centre at Agbaji are pleading for help, some are dying, and they seek urgent intervention. No one should have to live without dignity.
“When one arrives there, you’re taken into a dark room where you’re not allowed to see the sun. Nobody is permitted to visit you.
Then they beat you to break you and prevent any escape. Afterwards, they lock you in chains. Later, they force you to drink some concoctions that make you lose your memory at that time,” a victim reported.
Survivors also claim they were denied adequate food and healthcare, and forced into child labor by hawking street food. They allege that attempts to report the abuse to local police were futile, suggesting complicity.
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The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer denied knowledge of the centre and requested further details, but has not responded after information was provided.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
