Ulama Forum Calls on FG to Stop Senseless killings in North-west

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria called on the federal government to immediately stop the senseless killings innocent people in the North-west

It made the call yesterday in Bauchi through a press release signed by the Kano State Secretary of the Forum, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu and endorsed by 30 members and scholars from across the country.

The Forum lamented that it was greatly concerned and saddened over the perpetual killings in recent times, saying that it was inconceivable how bandits and terrorists move about freely in the land to commit heinous acts and atrocities unchecked.

It stated that the recent burning alive of 23 passengers by bandits in Sokoto State was not only dastardly but also inhuman and unpardonable.

According to the Ulamas, “In particular, our hearts bleed over the dastardly and inhuman act of burning alive of 23 passengers in Sokoto State. Other equally sad losses of lives that were witnessed in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states over the last one week are heart touching, frustrating and to say the least unpardonable.

“It is highly inconceivable how bandits and terrorists move about freely in the land, committing heinous acts and atrocities unchecked by the power of government and its security agencies.”

While urging the federal government to tackle bandits and terrorists head on, the Forum declared that these deadly groups have desecrated all religious, human and universal values.

“The terrorists have desecrated all religious, human and universal values and indeed, they have lost their faith and humanity; they must be confronted head on with might and power. We most strongly urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to sit up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens.

“It would be recalled that in the year 2020, out of similar concern over the deteriorating trend of insecurity, the Ulama Forum had advanced nearly a dozen suggestions to the government at all levels so as to contain the Boko Haram menace, banditry and other security challenges facing the Northern region.

“It is sad to note that most of our suggestions were ignored and security situation in the country has been moving from bad to worse,” it stated.

The Ulamas then urged the federal government to reassess the country’s security strategies and spending, stating that, “we would like to once more urge the federal government to reassess its security strategies and spending with a view to unfolding a more holistic and all-inclusive approach.

“We believe that divine intervention is a most potent weapon against the bandits, insurgents and their collaborators.”

It revealed the resolution of members of the forum to engage in special prayer during each of the five daily prayers and at Islamic schools.

“To this end, members of the Forum have resolved to devote themselves to al qunut (special prayer in times of turmoil) during each prayer session. Similarly, special prayers should be observed in Madaaris (Islamiyyah schools) and other places of gathering.”

It, therefore, prayed for leaders in the country for them to hear the cries of the weak, terrorised and terrified Nigerians, particularly Northerners.

“We pray to Allah to give our leaders the listening ears to hear the cries of its weak, terrorised and terrified citizens, particularly in the North. May they have the wisdom, will, determination and ability to do the needful and ensure peace and security in the land. There is no power or strength save in Allah. May Allah help us in this regard, ameen,” the Forum stated.