We condemn killings of innocent – Nigerian Islamic Council

Abakaliki – The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), South East Zone, has urged Nigerians to live in peace and respect one another.

NSCIA in a statement after a meeting with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abakaliki, condemned the recent bombings and reprisal attacks in the northern part of the country,  describing it as “cruel and barbaric”.

“We condemn the killings of innocent Nigerians in places of worship and centres across the country.

“This act is cruel to humanity and has no basis, and cannot in anyway be linked to any religion.

“In Islam anyone that kills even one person unjustly is like he has killed all humanity,” it said.

The statement, which was signed by the heads of the Directorate of Public Affairs units of the council in the five states of the South East, appealed to Nigerians irrespective of religion and tribe to shun vendetta.

The group also appealed to aggrieved groups to embrace dialogue and give peace a chance to ensure the success of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The council described as “uncomplimentary” a recent statement credited to a religious leader who threatened to attack mosques and residences of Muslim leaders in the south east.

“The call for reprisal attack sounds unwarranted and a disservice to the nation.

“We do not subscribe to any call for reprisal in the situation we found ourselves but we sympathise and commiserate with the families and victims of those affected by the criminal activities of Boko Haram.

“We appreciate the security agencies for the efforts they are making to tackle the security challenges in the country,” it said.

The council called on all Nigerians to assist the government in tackling the security challenges by providing security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of those perpetrating criminal activities in the country. (NAN)