ABUJA – The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, and the Department of State Services, alleging that Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese instigated the recent attacks on Muslims in the South-East and South-South regions.
NSCIA, beneath the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III, informed the IGP that it possessed evidence which indicted the Catholic Bishop in final Saturday’s attack on Muslims in Nsukka, Enugu State.
The apex Muslim body, specially alleged that a few Christian bigots attacked Muslims in Nsukka and burnt their Mosque following a sermon added through Bishop Onah.
The Sultan defined that the assaults intensified following his appeal to the security corporations on October 23, to offer special protection to Muslims inside the areas in view of the threats they face.
The petition, signed on behalf of the Sultan by using NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, reads in part: “On Saturday, October 31, 2020, some Christian bigots unleashed violent and virulent assault on Muslims in Nsukka and burnt their Mosques due to a hateful and inciting sermon, full of lies and fallacies, delivered by means of one Bishop Reverend Father Godfrey Igwebuike Onah
“In the sermon, it turned into clean that the Bishop instigated the worshippers against Mosques and Muslims. It would therefore require any war of words, no matter how minute, to execute the premeditated havoc wreaked at the Muslims inside the zones.
“You might also don't forget our letter dated 6 Rabiul-Awwal 1442 AH (23 October, 2020) in which we implored the Nigeria Police Force to specifically shield the lives, assets and locations of worship for Muslims dwelling within the South-East and South-South.
“In the stated letter, we informed you about the violent attacks being unleashed at the Muslims in some parts of the zones. Some were killed and their assets worth billions of Naira have been looted, vandalised or set on hearth. Mosques which includes very historical ones constructed by way of indigenous Igbo Muslims have been burnt.
“Rather than abating, the persecution and violence against Muslims within the said zones have endured with extra intensity.”
The petition to the IGP, which became sighted by way of Our Correspondent on Wednesday in Abuja, warned that the recurrence of those types of virulent assault on Muslims within the two areas, if left unchecked, could genuinely ignite reprisals in different parts of the u . S ., in particular within the North.
“It has consequently grow to be imperatively urgent to proactively carry an quit to those criminality.
“In view of the above, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, on behalf of the complete Muslim Ummah, hereby reiterate our name to you, Sir, to rise as much as this mission and protect the lives and property of Muslims inside the South-East and South-South as bonafide citizens of Nigeria who need to live peacefully in any part of the u . S . A ..
“Specifically, we additionally implore you, as a rely of urgency interrogate, Reverend Father (Bishop) Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of his hate speech, inciting sermon of lies, fabricated to provoke hatred for Muslims,” the petition careworn.
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