The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has denounced attacks on churches and shop looting in Sokoto State on Saturday, encouraging Nigerians to look to the continuing conflict in Ukraine and the present situation in Ethiopia for inspiration.
According to reports, several sections of the country have been tense since the horrible murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State, who was burned alive.
Remember that chaos erupted in several sections of Sokoto State on Saturday after Muslim men forcefully protested the arrest of Deborah’s accused murderers.
MURIC stated late Saturday evening in a statement signed by its director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, that the attacks were the handiwork of hoodlums and unscrupulous elements.
Akintola, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to desist from reprisal attacks on non-indigenes in other parts of the country.
The statement read in part, “The Sokoto imbroglio boiled over yesterday, Saturday, 14th May 2022, as hoodlums attacked a church and looted some shops.
“We strongly condemn the attacks. The fact that the Sultan’s palace was also targeted showed that the whole saga was the handiwork of unscrupulous elements. Muslim leaders knew nothing about it.
“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians to desist from reprisal attacks on non-indigenes and places of worship in other parts of the country.
“We urge every Nigerian to shun violence of any sort. We will gain nothing by towing the path of mutual destruction. The cities of Ukraine lay in ruins. They serve as recent examples and living testimonies for all of us. Guns are still booming in Ethiopia. Peace continues to elude Southern Sudan.
“We commend the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, for quickly declaring a curfew in order to bring the situation under control.”
