Lexis of ‘unknown gunmen’ killing Muslims, others in South East Nigeria no longer tenable, JNI declares

*Says the killers are known but ignored

*Calls on governments at all levels for action before it is too late

By KEMI KASUMU

“In light of the forgone, we call on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, do everything possible and  use any means possible to curtail the situation and  arrest all those who are behind the ongoing killings in the South-Eastern Nigeria, before it is too late. The lexis of the so called unknown gunmen is no longer tenable. They are known but ignored! We have had enough, so it should be left for what it is ENOUGH!”

Nigeria’s foremost Islamic body, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has risen – with huge demand – to the event of merciless murder, by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) terrorists, of Muslims in South East Nigeria including that of Adamawa State-born Harira Jibril and her four little children in Isulo, Orunba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday May 22, 2022.

The JNI was speaking just as information reaching us said leader of Islamic Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, who is of South East origin, has since been banished by IPOB members and warned not to be seen anywhere in the region until after 10 years except that he will be killed.

The Islamic group said those devilish elements, who carried out such dastardly act against those innocent souls, must be fished out and punished and that it must be done immediate too.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, and “At the instance of its President-General, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) condemns the senseless, barbaric and unprovoked killing of one Harira Jibrin; a pregnant woman with four of her children at Isulo in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The incident is just but an addition to the series of many other killings meted, particularly to Muslims in the South-Eastern States of Nigeria.”

According Aliyu, “The recurring heartless and calamitous unprovoked killings and maiming over there, as well as across other parts of the country are, to say the least condemnable.  JNI has painfully, with dismay been observing the orchestrated unchecked atrocities dished out to many innocent Muslim menial trader’s wares including animals. The attitude, in effect, depicts the most unfortunate high level of hatred and impunity. The JNI feels that it was high time the governments acted lest things get out of hand.

“While we commiserate with all families affected with the serial killings and abductions in Nigeria, we implore the federal government to synergy with all State governments enmeshed in all forms of security challenges, for the restoration of laws and orders. As it could be discerned the killings are now transforming to being more religious and ethnic/tribal conflicts. Their escalation may not be easily halted. Nigerians should learn from different historical accounts that, religious or ethnic conflicts and wars are undoubtedly extremely preposterous. So, they should by all means be avoided.

“In light of the forgone, we call on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, do everything possible and  use any means possible to curtail the situation and  arrest all those who are behind the ongoing killings in the South-Eastern Nigeria, before it is too late. The lexis of the so called unknown gunmen is no longer tenable. They are known but ignored! We have had enough, so it should be left for what it is ENOUGH! Moreover, as we have always stated in our similar press releases, governments should be seen as swiftly acting on security related issues, as it is its primary Constitutional responsibility to protect, secure and provide welfare to citizens, as enunciated on the second schedule of the 1999 amended Constitution,” he said.

Among the Jama’at’s prayers that are also said to be the prayers of all Nigerian Muslims, the statement said, are therefore that:

“1. Government must spare no efforts to immediately take control of all forests and swampy areas that have become hideouts for criminals. Examples should be set by speedily arresting and prosecuting all criminals, devoid of legal encumbrances. Constituting commissions of inquiry should NOT be the only way to go. Hence, government should intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting the so called unknown gunmen;

“2. Governments at all levels, in collaboration with different security agencies must be up and doing against the tides of insecurities, in whatever guises. Thorough proactive measures should be taken in nipping the situations from the buds, before becoming uncontrollable. In that respect, we advise on the governments to strategize and bring an end to orgies of killings happening in Nigeria. Desperate situations need desperate measures. Thus, constituting a joint task force to specially attend to the rising tide of killings in South-Eastern Nigeria, should be considered;

“3. Governments at all levels should act beyond mere verbal condemnations on security related matters. Nigerians desperately yearn for more concrete actions against all forms of criminals and criminalities. The unfortunate spate of the alarming horrendous butchering of human lives in the Nigerian States should be halted.

“4. The South-Eastern states’ governments and Governors, as well as Community Leaders over there should be seen and heard condemning and assuaging fears and tension within their respective states and communities (as the case may be). Silence would not be golden, in so unfortunate a situation. Perhaps they should emulate their Northern counterparts (Governors) in reacting quickly and appropriately, on similar happenings within their jurisdictions;

“5. Security surveillance should, maximally be accorded Muslim communities in the South-Eastern Nigeria.”