By Correspondent in Abuja
Disturbed by the “deliberate killings” of innocent Muslims over the weekend in both Jos, Plateau and Sokoto states, the Muslims Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has called for setting up of an investigative panel to unravel the rationale for such criminal attacks on Muslims.
In a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, President of MMPN in Abuja on Sunday,a copy of which was made available to The Reporters, the group condemned the killings of Muslims in Sokoto and Jos.
Balogun said:”It was reported that Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Saturday, where nine Muslims were killed and six others abducted by the suspected bandits.
“Report from the area indicates that among those killed by the bandits across three villages are eight men and one woman.
“The villages attacked by the suspected bandits are Bejingo, Dantudu, and Tulutu, all in Birjin ward.
“The bandits also carted away herds of cattle belonging to the villagers during the attack on Saturday.
“Similarly, twenty-two (22) unarmed Muslim travellers were brutally killed at Rukaba, Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday morning.
“It was reported that the Muslims had attended the annual dhikr prayer in Bauchi State and were returning to Ikare, Ondo State when they were waylaid.
“No individual or group has the right to take any human life on the basis of gender, ethnic or religion except by the constituted authority, if such person runs foul of the law of the land.
“The MMPN joins other well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this wicked and deliberate killings of innocent Muslims and call on Federal Government to immediately set up a panel to probe those arrested, and if found guilty, should be prosecuted.
“This, we believe, will serve as a deterrent to others planning such evil acts and prevent any reprisal attacks in future.
“MMPN commiserates with the Sokoto, Ondo and Plateau State Governments as well as the families and friends of the affected martyred Muslims.Our consolation lies with the words of Allah in the following verses.
“Allah says in Quran 2: verse154: “Do not say regarding those who are slain in the path of God that they are dead; rather they are alive but you are not aware.”
“Also, Quran 3:169 states: “Do not consider as dead those who are slain in the path of God; rather they are alive and well-provided for in the presence of their Lord.
“We equally urge Muslims to remain calm and not take laws into their hands while security agencies fish out the killers and punish them accordingly.
“MMPN equally appeals to Journalists and Media Practitioners to be objective in their reportage of such events and any event of that matter in line with the ethics of the profession and spiritual guidance.”
