June 12: NSCIA Warns Insecurity, Terrorism Undermining Nigeria’s Development, Rejects Profiling Of Muslims

June 12: NSCIA Warns Insecurity, Terrorism Undermining Nigeria’s Development, Rejects Profiling Of Muslims

NSCIA warns insecurity undermines development, rejects linking Islam to crime, and urges responsible, non-divisive narratives nationwide.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), is raising concern over the persistent security challenges confronting various parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, warning that they undermine national development.

The organisation reiterated that Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminal conduct.

The NSCIA in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, in commemoration of the 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance on June 12, acknowledged the progress made in Nigeria’s democratic journey but took exception to the unfortunate attempts in some quarters, both within and outside Nigeria, to associate Nigerian Muslims with the criminal activities of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes perpetrated by criminals.

The statement reads, “The significance of June 12 lies not only in its historical importance but also in its enduring reminder that democracy flourishes where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity prevail.

“We wish to state unequivocally that such religious profiling is false, misleading, and grossly unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Nigerian Muslims who continue to live, work, and contribute positively to national development across all sectors of the society. The perpetrators of the recent mischief created to criminalise Islam and the Muslims did not even take into consideration the safety of the people in captivity.

“While some mischief-makers were hell-bent on criminalising the Muslims and the Shariah for the kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, recent developments have vindicated the Muslims of the attempted false-criminalisation.

“Prof. Farooq Kperogi, in his recent article titled “Don’t Add Lies to the Terrorist Horror in Oyo,” has rightly observed that the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State was already horrifying and did not require embellishment through falsehoods, conjecture, half-truths, or opportunistic propaganda.

“The perennial ethnic profiling is also misleading. The identity of the suspects arrested so far in connection with the Orire LGA, Oyo State, unfortunate saga, did not show them as Fulanis, contrary to the initial and erroneous report. This should stop, and anyone who commits crimes should be labelled with the crimes committed and duly prosecuted according to the enabling laws of the land.

“While it is enough that Nigerian Muslims themselves are victims of not only terrorism but also discrimination and persecution, it is also sad that they are being falsely criminalised for being the perpetrators. Indeed, they are being made to suffer double jeopardy.

“The Council calls on the media, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders to exercise responsibility, professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting and public commentary. Narratives capable of inflaming tensions or deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities should be avoided.

“Criminality should neither be given ethnic nor religious coloration, as such narratives deepen divisions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and achieve lasting peace.

“The Council commends the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders in tackling insecurity and calls for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability across the country.

“We pray for our security agencies that Allah strengthen and protect them in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.”