The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) which he leads today warned that Nigeria is descending into lawlessness and called for urgent steps to be taken to reverse the trend. They were responding to the recent acts of bloodshed in Bama, Borno State, in the North-East, and Alakyo in North-Central Nasarawa State.

In a statement signed by JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, and released in Kaduna, the frontline Muslim group condoled the paramount rulers of Bama and Alayo, as well as the government and people of Borno State. It, however, did not condole President Goodluck Jonathan as is traditionally done in such condolence messages.

Below is the text of the statement entitled “Bama and Alakyo Attacks”:

“Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and its President-General the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, received with shock the cruel and merciless attacks on innocent people at Bama in Borno State and Alakyo in Nasarawa State.

“It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after the unfortunate Baga massacre which should have been the last in such attacks at these times, a more devastating attack would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Bama in Borno State, and would continue unabated for a number of days. Equally condemnable are the Nasarawa State killings where some reported members of Ombatse cult laid ambush and caused the death of 88 persons, including dozens of policemen. The JNI and the Sultan lament this sorry state of affairs in strongest terms, for the nation seems to be gradually sliding into lawlessness leading to multiple losses of lives.

“The 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. Equally, the JNI calls on all citizens to give their unflinching support to the constituted Federal Government Amnesty Committee, whose mandate is not only recommending amnesty but dialoguing with insurgents towards opening doors for the restoration of peace and stability in the North and Nigeria at large. There is therefore the need to partner with the Committee as well as affected state governments in order to bring to an end these acts of barbarism.

“The JNI sends its condolences to the Government and good people of Borno State as well as to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, CON, over the unfortunate recurring attacks in Bama, Borno State. In the same vein, JNI condoles the Government and good people of Nasarawa State as well as His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji (Dr) Isa Mustapha Agwai I, over the Ombatse cult massacre in Nasarawa State.

“The JNI however reiterates its earlier call that rules of engagement should be professionally employed by the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security agencies in curbing insurgencies, so as to reduce collateral damages recorded in such types of upheavals. More importantly, in dealing with such restive areas, we advise the security agencies to supplement firmness with such measures that is sufficiently seen to be just and humane to earn the people’s trust, support and co-operation to enable overcome criminal elements.”

•Photo shows JNI Leader, Sultan Ababakar.