by Samuel Ogundipe,
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, an organisation led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has condemned the mob attack in Zamfara State which left eight people dead, following an alleged blasphemy on the Prophet of Islam.
The group said the attack was “most unfortunate”.
The incident occurred at a polytechnic in Talata Mafara.
“This recurring matter is becoming tediously monotonous and remains condemned in the strongest terms,” the JNI said in the statement signed by its general secretary, Khalid Aliyu.
The JNI said all Muslims should see themselves as faithful in the practice of the religion and not assume the position of judges to mete out punishment against anyone.
“The nasty behavior of some miscreants should not be misconstrued as the Islamic teaching,” the JNI said.
Mr. Abubakar, therefore, commiserates with “all the affected victims of the unfortunate incidence” and called on “respective predominant Muslim communities to be very wary and cautious of crafty art of blasphemy within or around their respective communities and learn to handle such matters with utmost caution no matter the provocations that may arise therefrom”.
The latest killings came two months after a mob beheaded Bridget Agbahime in Kano on allegations that she committed blasphemy in an open market.
In July, a female pastor was also killed in Abuja while preaching around her neighbourhood in the morning.
Full statement:
Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), upon the receipt of reportage on the alleged blasphemy of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is once again poised to make this release over the most unfortunate alleged blasphemy which occurred at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. This recurring matter is becoming tediously monotonous and remains condemned in the strongest terms. The unfortunate attacks that ensued thereafter are criminal and also stand condemned. We reiterate that human lives are sacred and therefore must be dignified. That has been the position of Islam.
JNI reemphasizes that individual Muslims are not Jurists, but faithful in the practicing of the religion. Therefore, they don’t have the right to pass judgment on emotions. The nasty behavior of some miscreants should not be misconstrued as the Islamic teaching. In the light of which we commend the efforts of the Zamfara State Government in nipping in the bud, the escalation of the crisis and equally the beefing up of security by the various security agencies, around Talata Mafara and its environs is also commendable. We however call on state governments particularly in the north to hasten mechanisms which will address these repeated acts of blasphemy; it seems that there are deliberate attempts to cause more tension in the region and the country at large, in the name of blasphemy.
While we commiserate with all the affected victims of the unfortunate incidence, we call on respective predominant Muslim communities to be very wary and cautious of crafty art of blasphemy within or around their respective communities and learn to handle such matters with utmost caution no matter the provocations that may arise therefrom.
Finally, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI calls on all and sundry to remain calm and avoid all actions that could jeopardize peaceful co-existence, especially at this material point of trying time of nation building. As always the generality of Muslims are also implored to fervently continue praying for the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria.
