Kano, Niger ‘blasphemy’ killings criminal, un-Islamic, says Sultan of Sokoto

Kano, Niger ‘blasphemy’ killings criminal, un-Islamic, says Sultan of Sokoto

Sunday, June 5, 2016 7:35 pm


 

Sultan Abubakar

Sultan Abubakar

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) , a leading Nigerian Islamic group led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has described last Thursday’s murder of Mrs. Bridget Agbahime by a mob in a Kano city market and the killing of another four people by religious extremists in Pandogari, Niger State recently over allegation of blasphemy as ‘criminal and un-Islamic.’

“These ugly incidences utterly stand condemned and are regarded as criminal and un-Islamic, perpetrated by miscreants and criminals,” JNI said in a statement signed by Khalid Aliyu, its Secretary General.

The organization added that it is unbelievable that such dastardly acts could happen in the name of religion, considering the various enlightenment programs on interfaith and mutual co-existence being put in place by the Muslim scholars and the leadership.

While commiserating with Mr. Agbahime, the husband of the victim of the Kano incident who is a Pastor in Deeper Life Bible Church over his loss, JNI commended him for clarifying that his wife died as a result of injuries she sustained due to attacks from the mob in the market and not beheaded as reported.

The group also commended the Kano and Niger state governments as well as security agencies for the swift response which prevented the two incidents from snowballing into bigger crises.

“Finally, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI calls on all to remain calm and avoid all actions that could lead to the breach of law and order.

‘The generality of Muslims are also implored to fervently pray for the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria bearing in mind that without Nigeria there will be no Nigerians. The group therefore called on respective state governments rise to the occasion in protecting the lives of the citizenry, for it is a primary constitutional responsibility upon which their legitimacy is derived,” JNI concluded.

 


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