The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
has condemned the execution of Christian captives by the Islamic State West
Africa Province (ISWAP).
The terrorists based the action
on its revenge of the killing of ISIS leader, Abubakr Al-Baghdadi and its
spokesman, Abul-Hassan Al-Muhaiir.
Reacting, MURIC Director,
Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement, on Saturday, said the killing was
part of an attempt to embarrass the Federal Government of Nigeria for
preventing attacks during the Christmas celebration.
“We reject the criminal antics of
terrorists. This is definitely not Islam. It is the handiwork of misguided
elements. Our hypothesis is that the terrorists may have intended to effect a
double hit in Burkina Faso and here in Nigeria”, it noted.
“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.
“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.
“In summary, we strongly condemn
the execution of Christian captives in Nigeria and the killing of 135 people in
Burkina Faso explosions. 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.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu
Buhari has appealed to Nigerians not to let terrorists divide the country along
religious lines.
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