Umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) this afternoon cried out over what it described as the confusing state of affairs in Nigeria.

JNI’s observation was relayed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abuubakar Aliyu, during a press briefing in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria. He said:

“It is becoming increasingly glaring that our dear nation, Nigeria, and especially northern Nigeria, is drifting towards serious situation of violent conflicts, insecurity and destruction. One needs not be told that almost the whole north is on fire. While almost the entire north east is engulfed by recurrent killings and bombings in the name of the supposed Boko Haram; in Birnin Gwari (Kaduna State), some parts of Zamfara, Kebbi and other parts of the north west, the killings are perpetrated by unidentified criminals. In Benue State, it is Tiv/Fulani conflict which has long been hijacked by terrorists and political criminals, while in Nasarawa State it is Ombatse, and few days ago various attacks were reported in Kaduna, Taraba and the most recent Giwa barrack attack, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“As if all these are not enough, now the insecurity has taken a new and equally very dangerous dimension in Katsina State (Faskari), where the hitherto united Hausa and Fulani are being set against each other. This is despite the long warning about the possibility of the said clash. We could also not forget the Buni Yadi massacre which so far is the most terrible and traumatized inhumanity displayed in our recent history.

“It could be observed that while initially the killings were carried out at reasonable intervals, the situation has worsened to the level that killings and destruction of property have become almost a daily occurrence. While initially lives were lost in units and/or tens, now deaths are counted in hundreds and even thousands. We are worried that many businesses have closed down and property destroyed. Even our places of worship have not been spared. We are concerned that many schools have been burnt, with thousands of our children now not attending schools. For how long shall we continue to see women raped and children slaughtered in our communities? Why should we be made refugees in our fatherland? Shall we continue to fold our arms and keep silent when the future of our country is being jeopardised?”

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

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