By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has express profound grief and moral indignation over the recent surge in violent killings and attacks across the country. The council specifically highlighted the premeditated attacks in Plateau and Benue States, where innocent Muslim travelers were ambushed and murdered.
In a Press statement signed and made available to newsmen by Secretary general of the Council Mallam Nafiu Baba Ahmad.
According to the SCSN, these incidents reflect a troubling pattern of religious and ethnic persecution that not only violates the sanctity of human life but also threatens to ignite intercommunal tensions and destabilize national unity.
The council cited examples of targeted violence, including the ambush and massacre of travelers en route to a wedding in Plateau State and the brutal slaying of a convoy of peaceful travelers in Benue State.
The SCSN also expressed distress over the recent resurgence of Boko Haram activities in parts of Borno and Yobe States, where renewed attacks have resulted in the loss of civilian lives, the deaths of gallant military personnel, and the displacement of already vulnerable communities.
The council emphasized the urgent need for a reassessment of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy and more effective coordination among security agencies.
The SCSN unequivocally condemned these atrocities and stood in unwavering solidarity with the victims, their families, and all peace-loving Nigerians in demanding justice, accountability, and decisive government intervention.
The council emphasized that all lives matter equally, regardless of religion, region, or ethnicity, and called on the government, civil society, and the media to ensure fair, balanced, and consistent attention to all regions, especially where suffering has become normalized and overlooked.
The SCSN cited the Glorious Qur’an, which declares, “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the people are safe” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
The SCSN expressed disappointment over the Nigerian state’s failure to protect lives and property, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics that shows over 600,000 Nigerians lost their lives to violent incidents, and over 2 million were abducted, with ransom payments exceeding N2 trillion in 2024 alone.
The council acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies but emphasized the need for decisive reforms and possibly international assistance to address the situation.
The SCSN urged the government to hold security leadership accountable for their actions and inactions, citing the consistent absence of accountability within the security leadership as a major concern.
The council called on all Muslim communities across Nigeria to exercise patience and steadfastness, upholding justice and morality even in the face of immense adversity.