Pandemonium broke out on Monday in Ilorin, Kwara state capital when hoodlums allegedly attacked churches, shops and schools owned by Christian mission in Sabo-Oke, Muritala Mohammed way and other areas of the metropolis.
Eyewitnesses said the violence was a fall out of the heightened tension that trailed hijab-wearing in 10 mission schools across the State.
Other places affected include Post Office, Surulere and Maraba where churches and Christian schools are located.
It took combined efforts of officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Army to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
The tense situation sent fears and apprehension down the spines of residents of the areas.
The hoodlums allegedly brandished machetes, cutlasses, bottles and other dangerous weapons, while marching through some roads in the metropolis.
Reports said some of them wore masks apparently to cover their identity.
Though the gate of the Cherubim and Seraphim College, Sabo Oke. Ilorin was securely locked, the hoodlums hauled stones and other dangerous missiles into the premises even with the presence of military operatives stationed at the entrance gate of the school.
The violence also spread to St. Barnabas LGEA Primary School, Murtala Muhammad way, Ilorin and some churches in the area.
Kwara state police command spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi, said the prompt intervention of men of the command nipped the situation in the bud.
He said that normalcy had since returned to schools and business communities in the metropolis.
