Pained by the return of insurgency in some parts of Borno, Yobe states and killings of hundreds of people with wanton destruction of property in Zamfara State, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has queried the need for the existence of Government in Nigeria.
The apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria said, governments at all levels must do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop evil acts of terror repeatedly being unleashed on innocent souls and restore peace and security, which is their first constitutional role, as silence is no longer golden.
In a statement signed by it’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI noted that the Zamfara, Borno and Yobe incidences are utterly reprehensible and unacceptable, for hooligans and way-wards to hold a whole state to ransom to no avail.
It, however, expresses deep concern over what it described as a theater of dehumanisation and desecration of the sanctity of life, properties, personal liberty and communal integrity, by wanton destruction of lives and properties, as well as terrorizing communities in Zamfara state.
According to the statement, “Where is the government? Where are the security agencies? Where are the political, community and religious leaders? Where is our conscience? Where is the humanness in us? Above all, where is our Islam? Where is the Qur’an and its pristine teachings? Where is the Prophetic guidance in his Sunnah?
“Why must all these bloodlettings be allowed to resurface? All these re-occurring acts of terrorism, dehumanisation, sacrilege of sanctity of life and all forms of wickedness are utterly and unreservedly condemned in their entirety and government must go beyond mere condemnations.
“The Zamfara state carnage has now claimed an uncountable number of lives and destruction of properties and has continued unabated for years. What then is the essence of government and security outfits?
“We should all be reminded that that was how Boko Haram insurgency started and it has now snowballed into a full-blown security threat to the nation! We must not see it as a face up to Zamfara state, as already spillover of it, has been witnessed in Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto Kebbi and Katsina state in the name of armed banditry and kidnappings.” It read.
While calling for a real investigation that must bring similar occurrence(s) to a final end, JNI said it is disheartening that after attacks are launched on settlements, sporadic gunshots follow and then setting the communities ablaze ensues in Zamfara state.
While noting that, the evil that men do lives after them, and will continue to hunt them, JNI said it will continue to ask questions including, “Who are the bloodthirsty fellows? Why have they been allowed for years? Why have they not been arrested and interrogated? What has been the motive behind such repeated scandalous acts? Isn’t intelligence gathering supposed to aid security operatives and why is it not yielding the desired results? Why the renewed attacks now, just a few months before the 2019 General Elections?”
He added, “JNI has been keenly following the unfolding events in Zamfara, Borno and Yobe states, overtime; which unfortunately climax with the recent serial massacres in Maradun, Tsafe, Birnin Magaji, Maru, Baga and Kukareta, among many others.
“We, therefore, call on Governments at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop these evil acts of terror repeatedly being unleashed on innocent souls and restore peace and security, which is their first constitutional role, as silence is no longer golden.”
He commiserate with the families of the victims of these ‘inhuman attacks’ and particularly condole with the families of gallant security men that died at battlefronts, husbands and wives, parents and guardians who have lost their wards/children in these orgy misfortunes.
He pray to the Almighty Allah, to grant the deceased forgiveness and mercy, while those that sustained injuries quick recovery.
He however drew the attention of the political gladiators to play the game according to the rules, during their political campaigns, with decorum and peaceful means saying, “Although, we are not oblivious of the fact, that politicians often say that there is no morality in politics, that is why it is not surprising to witness the display of sheer irresponsibility, obscenity and scurrility between political rivals, and incitement of violence at the local communities for political aggrandizement.”
He stressed that hate speeches and all violent tendencies should be avoided as responsible conduct of campaign is a panacea in ushering responsible leadership.
He then called on Imams to return to special prayers in calamitous situations and trying times (Qunoot Al-Nawazil), seeking Allah, the Most High to deal with the situation and evil perpetrators with what they deserve and to restore peace and security to all affected areas, and the country at large.
