By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The late Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal.
The Kwara State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Kwara State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought upon the perpetrator(s) of the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal.
Barrister Taofeeq Jaji,Chairman,
MURIC Kwara State Chapter, made the call in a statement he signed in Ilorin and made a copy to The Reporters on Thursday in Lokoja.
He said the faith-based is deeply saddened and outraged by the gruesome and barbaric murder of Lawal Yetunde Hafsah, an innocent young girl whose life was brutally cut short in an act of sheer evil.
He said:” Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served, as this will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in our society.
“This despicable crime is not only a tragedy for her family but also a grave assault on our collective humanity, national morality, and our culture of justice.
“We call on the Kwara State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought upon the perpetrator(s) of this heinous crime.
” Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served, as this will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in our society.
“Furthermore, we strongly urge the authorities to broaden the scope of the investigation to uncover and bring to justice all those involved in this heinous trade of human body parts.
” It is imperative that the searchlight be beamed on any accomplices, collaborators, or criminal networks that may be aiding and abetting such barbaric activities.
“We cannot allow our society to become breeding ground for such gruesome acts. All those connected to this crime must be held accountable.
“While we commend the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in swiftly apprehending the suspect, we strongly advise that law enforcement agencies handle this case with the utmost professionalism.
“Nonetheless, we wish to advise that the circulation of video clips and evidence gathered from the investigation to the public may not be quite professional. It may even be counterproductive. It may alert other accomplices involved in this dastardly act, giving them the opportunity to evade justice. Investigations of this nature require a high level of discretion.
“We therefore urge the police to maintain confidentiality in handling crucial evidence. The ultimate goal should be to ensure the successful prosecution of all culprits without jeopardizing the integrity of the investigation.”
The chairman reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of. MURIC to justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity.
Barrister Jaji also urged the government to take decisive action to curb the rising wave of ritual killings and the trafficking of human body parts.
MURIC also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, IEDPU and other community stakeholders to rise against this evil and work towards a society where human life is sacred and inviolable.
The religious organization extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Lawal Yetunde Hafsah, adding that it stands in solidarity with them in their quest for justice.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive her sins, have mercy on her and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also give her loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” MURIC prayed.
