The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has condemned the killing of a group of travellers who were returning from Bauchi to Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday.
NSCIA identified the travellers as Muslims.
While affirming the statements by governors of Plateau and Ondo states that it was a case of mistaken identity and not particularly intended for the Muslims, the Council appealed to all Muslims to be calm and that nobody should take laws into his or her hands.
The council, in a statement issued by its Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, re-emphasized that no human life deserved to be wasted on any ground be it religious or ethnic.
The council said it was monitoring the investigation and would ensure that justice was done.
The statement reads further: “In the spirit of the Islamic injunction, ‘O you who have believed! If some transgressors bring you news (that requires taking action), verify it carefully (before you believe and act upon it), lest you harm a people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done’ (Qur’an 49:6), we re-assure all peace-loving individuals and groups that appropriate actions would be taken subsequent to a thorough investigation.
“In the meantime, while efforts are on to locate the eight missing Muslims, the Council urges the security agencies to fish out all the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and ensure that adequate justice is done.
“The Council commiserates with all Muslims, particularly Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the host of the religious event from which the victims were returning.
“The Council prays that Almighty Allah heals the wounded and grant Al-jannah to the departed martyrs. Amin.”
