Sultan expresses worry over Zaria killings, calls for thorough investigation
Sultan expresses worry over Zaria killings, calls for thorough investigation
From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’Atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday expressed fear over the recent clash between men of Nigerian Army and Islamic Movement of Nigeria popularly known as Shi’ite group in Zaria that left at least nine persons dead.
The foremost Muslim leader in the country also commended the federal government for instituting a fact finding delegation, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, for an on the spot assessment, just as he implored government to institute an enquiry into the Zaria upheaval, to unravel its remote and immediate causes, so as to forestall future occurrence.
This was contained in a statement signed by Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to media in Kaduna.
The statement read, “The sordid state of insecurity in the nation is no longer news to every discerning mind. The level of apprehension, particularly in Zaria, Kaduna State, as a result of the avoidable skirmishes that occurred on Sunday, 13th December, 2015, due to the altercation between the Shiites and the Nigerian Army is unfortunate.
“The residents of Zaria and beyond were indeed thrown into a state of pandemonium, hence, it is with all sense of responsibility that JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, makes this press statement on the sorry state of affairs, as they relate to insecurity in our enviable country Nigeria.
“JNI after following the events as they unfolded, reiterates in line with its previous related releases that life is sacred and must be treated as such. And, restraint should always be exercised in the course of discharging one’s civil, official and or religious duties.
“It is against this background that JNI commiserates with the people of Zazzau over the unfortunate incident and call on all and sundry to take time and ponder over the many overwhelming challenges within the context of fairness and objectivity. We believe that it is high time all Nigerians come together, think together and take positive steps towards salvaging the quandary of insecurity in our dear country.
“We must all view the insecurity quagmire as a challenge to all Nigerians, regardless of any parochial consideration. Security agencies must operate within the internationally established convention of rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties. Excessive force should be avoided and lives be preserved and protected.
“Similarly, members of the public should always recognize and operate within the ambit of law and order as provided by the laws of the land as well as our religious texts.
“In the same vein, the JNI implores the media to be wary of sensational reportage that is capable of plunging the nation into yet another avoidable crisis.”
He however called on all Nigerians to continue fervently seeking God’s intervention towards sustainable peace and stability in the country.
Posted from GoBroadsheet