The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abukakar III, has condemned recent killings of Christians in Kano and Niger states for alleged blasphemy. He described the killings and inhuman and unislamic and called on Nigerians to avoid actions that could lead to the breach of law and order.
The position of the Sultan was expressed in a statement issued by the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, who described those who carried out the killings in Wambai Area of Kano and Pandogari in Niger State as miscreants and criminals.
"It is hardly believable that such dastardly acts could happen in the name of religion, considering the various enlightenment programmes on interfaith and mutual co-existence being put in place by the Muslim scholars and the leadership.
"In the light of the above, we commend the various untiring efforts of the Kano and Niger State Governments and also the Ulama' in nipping in the bud, the unfortunate crises that would have engulfed both states. Likewise, the proactive measures of all the security agencies are also commendable and we implore that same be sustained," said the statement.
The JNI also commiserated with Mr. Agbahime of Deeper Life Bible Church of Kano, over the death of his wife, Bridget, in the hands religious extremists. The JNI commended the husband for promptly setting the records straight by stating that his wife was not beheaded as widely reported in the media.
The Sultan called on Muslims to pray for the restoration of peace and security as in the country and urged state governments to protect the citizenry because that is what their legitimacy rests upon.
