Get Guardian on Google• CAN concerned at Christian woman’s conviction in Borno
THE Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has condemned the killing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Massusuka, describing his assailants as enemies of national unity and peaceful coexistence.
NYF – a coalition of prominent youth groups in Northern Nigeria – also thanked Islamic and Christian clerics across the country for their continued prayers for Nigeria’s unity, peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
In another development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified in circulating reports as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.
In a statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said it was particularly concerned about reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the adult lady’s conversion to Christianity, though the precise facts and legal basis of her conviction were still being verified.
In a statement, the National Chairman of the coalition, Sama Musa, stressed the importance of prayer, religious tolerance and collective efforts in nation-building. He described Nigeria as a complex nation characterised by ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, noting that faith and prayers remain important pillars for sustaining national unity.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for his pilgrimage, he said the president’s decision to seek divine intervention for Nigeria demonstrated the importance of spiritual commitment to the country’s peace and stability.
On the killing of Massusuka, the group described the incident as tragic, insisting that those responsible were bent on undermining Nigeria’s fragile peace.
The coalition urged president, the Inspector-General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to launch an immediate, thorough investigation to ensure that perpetrators were swiftly identified, arrested, and brought to justice to justice.
MEANWHILE, CAN said the case raises important questions about religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that an appeal has been filed, and that it was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.
Nevertheless, CAN insisted on its belief that “every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practice their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.”
Therefore, it “calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected and that justice is served in accordance with the Constitution and the law.”
