A woman practicing traditional Yoruba religion (known as Onisese or Isese) has alleged that her house in a Muslim-majority community in Ilorin was deliberately burned down on January 1, 2026, following repeated threats linked to her faith.
According to a widely circulated public incident report, the victim, a legal property owner, faced ongoing intimidation from neighbors who objected to her religious practices.
She reportedly received direct threats, including warnings that her house would be set on fire if she did not cease her traditional rituals.
The woman had previously reported the threats to local police, who summoned the individuals involved and affirmed her constitutional right to reside and practice her religion anywhere in Nigeria. Despite this intervention, the threats allegedly continued.
On New Year’s Day, while she was away attending the Osun Festival at another residence, a neighbor informed her of the fire.
The blaze completely destroyed the house, which the report describes as deliberate arson motivated by religious intolerance, not an accident.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForOnisese, #ReligiousFreedom, and #StopReligiousIntolerance trending in Nigeria.
Critics highlight a pattern of tensions in Ilorin involving traditional worshippers, while others stress that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens.
No official response from Kwara State police or local authorities has been reported yet, and investigations are said to be sought.
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