27th December, 2019
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC CONDEMNS EXECUTION OF CHRISTIAN
CAPTIVES
The Islamic State in West Africa
(ISWA) has released a video in which it purportedly executed eleven blindfolded
Christian captives. The video was released on Thursday, 26th
December, 2019. The terrorists claimed
that the action was in revenge of the killing of ISIS leader, Abubakr
Al-Baghdadi and its spokesman, Abul-Hassan Al-Muhaiir.
The Nigerian Islamic human rights
organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has however condemned the
execution. The group spoke through its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a
press statement issued late on Friday, 27th December, 2019.
“We strongly condemn the execution of the Christian captives by ISWA. It
is gruesome, coldblooded and barbaric. We reject the criminal antics of
terrorists. This is definitely not Islam. It is the handiwork of misguided
elements.
“We have no doubt that it is part
of an attempt to embarrass the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) after the
latter had successfully prevented any attack in other parts of Northern and
central Nigeria, including Abuja, before during and after Christmas and the New
Year for the past three or four years. We also note with pleasure that bomb
attacks on churches have stopped completely while incidents of suicide bombing
has been reduced to its barest minimum. We commend FG for this remarkable feat.
“Observers may wish to note that 135 innocent lives were lost in another
terrorist attack in Burkino Fasso on Christmas day. We equally condemn the
massacre in Burkino Fasso. It is callous, inhuman and despicable.
“Our hypothesis is that the terrorists may have intended to effect a
double hit in Burkina Fasso and here in Nigeria. The Nigerian operation may
have been called off after the planners saw the alertness and gallantry of the
Nigerian security agencies. The execution of the Christian captives point to an
act of frustration after the planned attack on Nigerian soil became mission
impossible.
“It is noteworthy that there was
no ultimatum or warning of any kind prior to the execution. This is quite
unusual and this fact cements our hypothesis. The enemy may want to catch us
off guard by striking during the New Year celebrations. We therefore call on
the security agencies to be on alert during the end of the year and New Year celebrations
to avert any planned attack. We also appeal to Nigerians generally to be
security conscious. Security watch must not be left to those in uniform alone. We
must be our nation’s eyes and ears.
“MURIC appeals to Nigerians to
understand the mentality of terrorists and the anatomy of extremism. They (the
terrorists) wish to create fear in our hearts so that nobody will confront
them. But they have failed in this regard because the government has risen to
the occasion and our gallant soldiers are giving the terrorists sleepless
nights. They also intend to cause war between Nigerian Christians and their
Muslim neighbours. In fact this is the primary objective. The ultimate aim is
to enable them to sneak in behind the lines, seize the seat of power and begin
a reign of terror in the whole country whereby both Christians and moderate
Muslims will, willy-nilly, be at their beck and call.
“We therefore call upon our Christian neighbours to understand the
humongous challenge which terrorism poses. The government needs the cooperation
of all to overcome these challenges. We charge Imams and pastors to use the
minbar and pulpit to preach patience and tolerance all the time. The Nigerian
society is passing through a trying period. Religion in particular has been
bastardised beyond Karl Max’s legendary opium. Religion has become another
thing entirely in Nigeria. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a deradicalisation
programme both in the churches and mosques.
“In summary, we strongly condemn
the execution of Christian captives in Nigeria and the killing of 135 people in
Burkina Fasso explossions. We appeal to religious leaders to forge a united
front in the deradicalisation of religion in Nigeria. We appeal to Nigerians to
be vigilant and to report suspicious persons and circumstances to the security
agents. We also call on Nigerians to exhibit more tolerance, patience and love
towards one another.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
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