The Ulama Forum in Nigeria said it is greatly concerned and saddened over the perpetual killings of innocent lives going on unabated in Nigeria, especially in the North West of the country in recent times.
The call is contained in a statement signed by the forum’s convener Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and endorsed by 30 membera and scholars.
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“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.
“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 (FGN) 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 governments at all levels so as to curb 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.
“Based on the foregoing, we would like to once more urge the FGN to re-asses 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.
“To this end, members of the Forum have resolved to devote themselves to alqunut (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. 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 statement is endorsed by the underlisted members and scholars:
- Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad – Convener
Kano - Prof. Mansur Ibrahim mni
Sokoto - Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar
Kano - Dr. Abubakar Muhamad Sani B/Kudu
Jigawa - Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu
Kaduna - Prof. Muhammad Babangida Muhammad
Kano - Prof. Salisu Shehu
Bauchi - Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa
Kaduna - Mal Ahmad Bello Abu Maimoona
Katsina - Dr. Muhammad Alhaji Abubakar
Borno - Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Sadaukin Sokoto
Sokoto - Malam Aminu Aliyu Gusau
Zamfara - Mal. Shehu Muhammad Maishanu
Zamfara - Prof Muhammad Amin Al-Amin
Katsina - Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Attahir
Gombe - Dr. Salisu Ismail
Jigawa - Dr. Abubakar Saidu
Gombe - Engr. Ahmad Y. M. Jumba
Bauchi - Amir Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido
Gombe - Dr. Ibrahim Adam Omar Disina
Bauchi - Prof. Ahmad Murtala
Kano - Prof. Usman M. Shuaibu Zunnurain
Katsina - Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil
Kano - Ustaz Sani Shu’aibu
Kano - Dr Matbuli Shehu Kabara
Kano - Sheikh Abdullahi Salihu Aikawa
Kano - Ustaz Nuru Adam Galadanchi
Kano - Prof Awwal Ibrahim Magashi
Kano - Malam Tijjani Bala Kalarawi
Kano - Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa
Kano - Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu – Secretary
Kano.