Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, has expressed “deep sorrow and concern over the continued bestial and merciless attacks on innocent people in Borno and Yobe states, in particular, and Nigeria in general,” saying it would continue to do so “until the lives of the Muslims are protected.”

JNI in a statement issued today from its headquarters in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, “painfully notes the recent massacres in Konduga and Izge town (Gwoza Local Government) all in Borno State and also the most recent attack on Madagali in Adamawa State, despite the recent change in service chiefs and the assurances given that insecurity has come to an end.”

According to the statement signed by JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, “We are perturbed to ask, when will normalcy return to North East, such that they could also live like other Nigerians? Why would blood be allowed to spilt for no just cause? Are we not aware of the devastating repercussion associated with splitting of blood?”

Continuing, the statement said: “It is condemnable in the strongest terms and quite unfortunate that after several disastrous massacres which should have been the last of such at these times, a more devastating attack would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Madagali, in Adamawa State, and would continue unabated for a number of hours, just as it happened last week for over 48 hours in Konduga, and Izge (Gwoza) Borno State. JNI laments this sorry state of affairs in the strongest terms very painfully because many lives are being lacerated.

“JNI therefore calls on all and sundry to be wary of happenings around them and take proactive measures by reporting to appropriate authorities doubtful persons and events. However, we reiterate our several calls for rules of engagement and an end to these series of ungodly acts being perpetrated. Or is it that our several calls are going on deaf ears?

“We, nonetheless, send our condolences to the Government and good people of Borno and Adamawa states as well as to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Borno State and HRH, the Lamido of Adamawa. We pray that Allah (SWT) will come to the rescue of Borno and Adamawa states and Nigeria as a whole.”

•Photo shows JNI President General, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar.

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