The apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of its President-General, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over the renewed spate of attacks and killings in Benue State.
In a statement by the JNI Secretary General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, on Monday, the Sultan queried, “For how long would such senseless killings continue to occur on the Nigerian soil? Why has it remained so difficult for security agencies to prevent such catastrophic occurrences on our national lives?”
He said, “Nonetheless, JNI unequivocally condemns the dastardly and barbaric act in its totality,” pointing out that “It is inhumane, ungodly, and a complete betrayal of our common values as human beings.”
“The sanctity of human life is sacrosanct and must not be toyed with. Allah, the Most High says whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely,” he added.
Quoting from the verses of the holy book, Qur’an 5:32, the JNI President General explained that the attack and killings “is therefore unacceptable in a supposedly democratic and civilised
setting.”
He lamented that “human lives are exterminated with such impunity, without any deterrence and/or timely justice against the devilish actors.”
He said, “While the JNI appreciates the efforts of security agencies, we are, however, constrained to express our displeasure at their often reactive posture. It has become a recurring pattern for security operatives to arrive only after the damage has been done. Such act emboldens the perpetrators and dampens the morale of innocent citizens. Security must be intelligence-driven, proactive, and prompt if we are to avert future recurrences, which is invariably becoming normalised.”
The Sultan added: “We call on all relevant stakeholders, government at all levels, religious bodies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to come together in synergy and sincerity to end this repeated avoidable carnage. Enough is enough. Our collective silence or indifference may only serve to embolden the enemies of peace and national unity in Nigeria.
“JNI prays to Almighty Allah to console the victims’ families, and restore lasting peace and tranquility in Benue State and the entire country. We also pray for global peace, justice, and security; for without peace, development is but a mirage. As we mourn with Benue State, let this serve as a moment of national reflection. Let us shun divisive narratives and rise as one humanity to say no more to senseless killings, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or political inclination,” he said.
“Human life remains sacred and must be treated as such, as we have repeatedly stated. We also commiserate with the government and the good people of Benue State over the monumental tragedy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. This painful loss is not only Benue’s; it is Nigeria’s. Indeed, no sane society should normalise such carnage,” he said.
