By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has “unequivocally” condemned the massacre of a group of innocent Muslims, who were returning from Bauchi to Ikare, Ondo State, on Saturday 14 August 2021.
The condemnation was contained in a statement with reference NSCIA/PRS/027/VOL.II, dated 6th Muharram, 1443 AH equivalent to15th August, 2021 and signed by Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, who is the council’s Director of Administration.
In a copy of the statement sent to The DEFENDER, the Nigeria’s apex Islamic body appealed to all Muslims to be calm and that nobody should take laws into his or her hands over the unfortunate deaths of fellow brothers and sisters in Islam killed and injured in the apparently religious hate induced situation.
It made this appeal while “affirming the statements of their Excellencies, the Governors of Plateau and Ondo States that it was a case of mistaken identity and not particularly intended for the Muslims”.
The Council, however, re-emphasized that no human life deserves to be wasted on any ground be it religious or ethnic.
According to the statement, the Council is monitoring the investigation and would ensure that justice is done.
Speaking in the spirit of Islamic injunction that says, “O you who have believed! If some transgressors bring you news (that requires taking action), verify it carefully (before you believe and act upon it), lest you harm a people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done” (Qur’an 49:6), the Sultan Abubakar -led Islamic Council added that, “we re-assure all peace-loving individuals and groups that appropriate actions would be taken subsequent to a thorough investigation.”
It said, “In the meantime, while efforts are on to locate the eight missing Muslims, the Council urges the security agencies to fish out all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and ensure that adequate justice is done.
“The Council commiserates with all Muslims, particularly Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the host of the religious event from which the victims were returning.
“The Council prays that Almighty Allah heal the wounded and grant Al-jannah to the departed martyrs. Amin,” the statement said.
