Islamic group condemns killing of 16 travellers in Edo
An Islamic group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has strongly condemned the recent gruesome murder of 16 travelers in Edo State, describing it as “cruel and barbaric.”
The victims, who were returning from Rivers State en route to Kano State, were brutally killed by a vigilante group in Udune Efandion, an Uromi community in Esan North Local Government.
In a statement issued by the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, in Kaduna on Saturday, the organisation expressed its outrage and sadness over the incident.
The JNI’s scribe also called on the Federal Government to take concrete actions to address the growing insecurity in the country, rather than just issuing condemnations.
He said, “We condemn in the strongest terms the cruel and barbaric killings of the victims. This act is not only condemnable but also unacceptable in any human society.
“We are tired of condemnations without concrete actions. The government must rise up to its primary responsibility of protecting and securing citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion.”
The JNI has also expressed concern about the generalisation of criminals as representatives of a particular ethnic or religious group, leading to unjust stereotyping and hate campaigns.
In response to the incident, the JNI has called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the prosecution of those responsible.
This was just as the Muslim group called for enhanced security measures to protect travelers on Nigerian highways.
The statement added, “A criminal should be treated as a criminal, regardless of his ethnicity or religion. We condemn all criminals, whoever they are and wherever they come from. We demand that the government and security agencies conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and bring those responsible to justice. The government must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly travelers on our highways.”
Furthermore, the JNI has called on the government to address the growing insecurity in the country.
The organisation has also emphasised the need for an end to hate speech and the prosecution of those who promote it.
“The government must take decisive action to address the growing insecurity in the country. We cannot continue to live in fear of attacks and killings. Hate speech is a major contributor to the growing insecurity in the country. We must all work together to promote tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” Aliyu said.
In conclusion, the JNI has called on all Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful, despite the growing insecurity in the country.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful, despite the challenges we are facing. We must all work together to build a more peaceful and secure Nigeria,” Aliyu added.
