Northern Ulamas Forum issues stern warning over incessant killings in the region
Story from Dahiru SULEIMAN, Dutse
Disturbed by the incessant killings of innocent souls unabated in the North-Western part of the country and beyond, the conglomeration of members of the Council of Ulamas of Nigeria has issued a stern warning in putting to a halt the nefarious activities or to seek divine intervention from God.
In a statement issued and signed at the end of its emergency session in Dutse the Jigawa State capital, The Forum Chairman, Ustaz Aminu Inua Muhammad said “The Ulama Forum in Nigeria is greatly concerned and saddened over the perpetual killings of innocent lives going on unabated in Nigeria, especially in the North West of the country in recent times and ought to be condemned by all and sundry.”
It added, “We also felt touched over the dastardly and inhuman act of burning alive of 23 passengers in Sokoto State. Other equally sad losses of lives that were witnessed in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states over the last one week are heart touching, frustrating and to say the least unpardonable. It is highly inconceivable how bandits and terrorists move about freely in the land, committing heinous acts and atrocities unchecked by the power of the government and its security agencies.
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“The Ulamas condemn the actions of terrorists who have desecrated all religious, human and universal values and indeed, they have lost their faith and humanity; they must be confronted head-on with might and power. We most strongly urge the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to sit up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens.
“It would be recalled that in the year 2020, out of similar concerns over the deteriorating trend of insecurity, the Ulama Forum had advanced nearly a dozen suggestions to the governments at all levels so as to curb the Boko Haram menace, banditry and other security challenges facing the Northern region. It is sad to note that most of our suggestions were ignored and the security situation in the country has been moving from bad to worse.
“Based on the foregoing, we would like to once more urge the FGN to re-assess its security strategies and spending with a view to unfolding a more holistic and all-inclusive approach. We believe that divine intervention is a most potent weapon against the bandits, insurgents and their collaborators. To this end, members of the forum have resolved to devote themselves to alqunut (special prayer in times of turmoil) during each prayer session.
“Similarly, special prayers should be observed in Madaaris (Islamiyyah schools) and other places of gathering. We pray to Allah to give our leaders the listening ears to hear the cries of its weak, terrorised and terrified citizens, particularly in the North. May they have the wisdom, will, determination and ability to do the needful and ensure peace and security in the land. There is no power or strength except in Allah.
“May Allah help us in this regard, Ameen”, the statement said.
The meeting was endorsed by the following members and scholars: Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad – Convener, Kano; Prof. Mansur Ibrahim mni, Sokoto; Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Kano; Dr Abubakar Muhamad Sani, B/Kudu, Jigawa and Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Kaduna State.
Others include Prof. Muhammad Babangida Muhammad, Kano; Dr Said Ahmad Dukawa, Kano, Prof. Salisu Shehu, Bauchi, Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa, Kaduna; Malam Ahmad Bello Abu Maimoona, Katsina; Dr. Muhammad Alhaji Abubakar, Borno Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Sadaukin Sokoto; Malam Aminu Aliyu Gusau, Zamfara; Mal Shehu Muhammad Maishanu, Zamfara; Prof Muhammad Amin Al-Amin Katsina, among others.
