[CPProt.net] Lagos: Community orders Christians to return artefacts from looted shrines

[museum-security (FTP)]

Community orders Christians to return artefacts from looted shrines
>From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
FOR peace to return to the troubled community of Ojebeogene in Enugu
State, its Christian youths have been ordered to return the artefacts and
objects they allegedly removed from the shrines in a raid.

The order was handed down yesterday at the meeting of the community's
traditional religious and political leaders.

The Christian youths were also asked to tender unreserved apologies to the
victims of the attack.

Two weeks ago, irate Christian youths were alleged to have invaded and
destroyed shrines of the Odo Masquerade cult removing age-old artefacts
and object of worship. Some adherents of the cult were reportedly chased
away while those who tried to resist were attacked.

The order was contained in a 13-point communiquŽ issued at the end of the
peace meeting and signed by the chairman of the Ojebe Ogene Development
Council, Chief Emeka Ochin.

The communiquŽ among others outlawed the manhandling or assault by any
masquerade or spirit manifest in any part of the centre.

It added that erring masquerades would attract severe sanctions for the
patrons "who are under obligation of law to respect people's right of
worship, freedom of movement and pursuit of economic well-being within the
ambit of law."
The communiquŽ further stated that all religious, social or political
gathering which would attract more than 200 people could only be held with
the permission of the Chairman of the development center. It also warned
leaders of faith to restrain from making unguarded utterances on religious
matters especially those that may cause unrest between Christians and
traditional religion worshippers in the area.

Traditional rulers, community leaders and clergy men were also urged to
"spring into action" to ensure that full freedom of worship, freedom of
movement and right of pursuit of economic well-being were enforced in
every community in the Council, adding that the it would not tolerate any
further acts that would entail taking laws into ones hands as exhibit by
the youths of Abor and Umuavulu".

"The youths are hereby counseled to appreciate that in the growing trend
of development, tolerance and spirit of co-existence form the foundation
of effectiveness, productivity, civilisation and stronger contribution to
the building of modern societies," the communique stated.

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/