The Ja’amatu Nasir Islam, the umbrella body of Muslim organisations in
Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government to institute full
investigation into the last week killing of Shiite members in Zaria by
soldiers to unravel its remote and immediate causes, and to forestall
future occurrence.
Scores of Shiite members were killed on Saturday and Sunday when Shitte
members clashed with the convoy of Chief of Army Staff in Zaria.
A Statement by the Secretary-General of the JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar
Aliyu, called on security agencies to avoid use of excessive force, and to
operate within the internationally established convention of rules of
engagement in the discharge of their duties.
The JNI reiterated the sanctity of life and urged that Nigerians to
exercise restraint in the discharge of their civil, official and religious
duties at all times.
The Islamic organization said: “We believe that it is high time all
Nigerians come together, think together and take positive steps towards
salvaging the quandary of insecurity in our dear country.
“We must all view the insecurity quagmire as a challenge to all Nigerians,
regardless of any parochial consideration. Security agencies must operate
within the internationally established convention of rules of engagement
in the discharge of their duties. Excessive force should be avoided and
lives be preserved and protected.
“Similarly, members of the public should always recognize and operate
within the ambit of law and order as provided by the laws of the land as
well as our religious texts.
“In the same vein, the JNI implores the media to be wary of sensational
reportage that is capable of plunging the nation into yet another
avoidable crisis, (may Allah forbid, Amin).”
The group commended the Federal Government for instituting a fact finding
delegation for an on the spot assessment, and commiserate with the people
of Zazzau Emirate for over incident.