The umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims has raised powers over last weekend’s massacre of innocent students at a school in Yobe State by Boko Haram terrorists. The questions, according to a statement signed by JNI General Secretary, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, are: “Who are these blood thirsty fellows? How did they gain access to the college? Why were they not prevented or arrested? What was the motive behind such heinous act? Isn’t intelligent gathering suppose to aid security operatives and why is not yielding the desired results?”

Said JNI in the statement: “As always, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) received with consternation and bewilderment the senseless killings at the College of Agriculture, Gujiba, Yobe State, and that of the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State by criminals. These barbaric and callous attacks are utterly condemnable in their entirety; especially that just last week we did issued a Press Release on State of the Nation as per the recurring attacks on innocent lives. JNI will continue to condemn so long as the denigrating acts continue.

“Also, as with previous similar cases, the sporadic gun shots that ensued after setting the college ablaze is very worrisome and calls for practical investigation that must bring similar occurrence(s) to a final end. In this same year, Government Secondary School, Damaturu, was attacked in June, 2013, claiming over 10 students and Government Secondary School, Mamuda, was also attacked in July, 2013 claiming over 20 students, all in Yobe State. Our concern is that with the State of Emergency currently in place at Yobe and Borno states, vis-a-vis the visible security check points at every nook and cranny of the state, it is hardly imaginable that such a dastardly act could still occur; hence the JNI is seriously perturbed by such reoccurrence. At the moment Gamboru-Ngala, Fulatari and Kanumbari are under siege, yet those charged with the responsibility of protecting the citizenry have not been able to curb the diabolical scourge of killing innocent souls. This is indeed very worrisome and alarming. However, as Muslims we find solace that there is the Day of retribution which all souls shall account for their deeds.

“JNI will continue to ask questions: Who are these blood thirsty fellows? How did they gain access to the college? Why were they not prevented or arrested? What was the motive behind such heinous act? Isn’t intelligent gathering suppose to aid security operatives and why is not yielding the desired results? Indeed there is much more than meets the eyes. Certainly, just as with discerned Nigerians JNI has being following unfolding events in Gujiba, since last week, which unfortunately climax with the College of Agriculture massacre.

“We make bold to say that Muslims are worst hit in this quandary situation. We therefore call on Governments at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop these evil acts of terror repeatedly been unleashed on innocent souls and restore the use of GSM in the affected states to facilitate security alert/tip-off in situation(s) where insecurity, has wreaked unprecedented havoc against innocent citizens.

“Meanwhile, we commiserate with the families of the victims of these inhuman attacks and particularly condole with the parents and guardians who lost their wards/children in the misfortune. We pray the Almighty Allah, to grant the deceased forgiveness and mercy, while those that sustained injuries quick recovery, Amin.”

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