The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act decisively over what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation of Muslims in the country.
The council said the continued restraint of the Muslim community should not be mistaken for weakness.
Naija News reports that the warning was contained in a statement issued by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The council said Muslims had deliberately remained calm despite repeated provocation, but warned that there was a limit to endurance.
“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalisation,” the council said.
“The commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault, and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country. It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance,” it added.
The NSCIA called on the government to ensure that those behind recent killings in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.
“The NSCIA hereby calls on government to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue States are brought to justice, without delay and according to the laws of the land. Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy,” the statement read.
The council also urged authorities to check what it described as open attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying such actions could threaten peace and national cohesion.
“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” it added.
Police Misconduct Allegations
The council demanded a thorough investigation into allegations that some divisional police officers handed over a female Muslim scholar for burning.
It also called for a probe into claims surrounding the police officer who allegedly invited the slain Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad.
The NSCIA said the allegations should be investigated and those found culpable brought to justice.
It also cited the killing of Muhammad and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, after a peace meeting, alleging that the incident formed part of what it described as a systematic attempt to provoke Muslims into retaliation.
NSCIA Faults Comments, Media Coverage
The council faulted remarks it attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a recent live television programme, describing the comments as reckless.
It argued that the programme should have attracted sanctions from the appropriate government agencies.
The council said if a Muslim leader had made similar remarks, he would likely have been invited for questioning by the police and other security agencies.
The NSCIA also rejected claims by some Christian leaders linking Muslims and Fulani communities to recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State.
According to the council, those arrested in connection with the incidents bore names suggesting otherwise, while the suspect arrested over the kidnapping and killing in Oriire Local Government Area was “not only a Christian but also a pastor.”
It further accused Arise Television of applying double standards in its coverage of the incident, alleging that the station dismissed it as unrelated to religion but would have treated the matter differently if the suspect had been identified as a Muslim.
Beyond security concerns, the NSCIA alleged that Muslims were being sidelined in public appointments, particularly in southern Nigeria.
It argued that when Muslim office holders left office, they were often replaced by non-Muslims, citing Mr Adebayo Adelabu as an example.
The council also criticised opposition to Muslim-Muslim political tickets, arguing that similar objections were not raised when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo sought the presidency with Christian running mates, or when General Yakubu Gowon appointed Awolowo as Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.
Despite its concerns, the NSCIA reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity.
It urged the government, security agencies and the media to act responsibly and ensure that religious tensions do not escalate.
The council also called on Muslims to continue to exercise restraint while lawful steps are taken to address their grievances.
