Abuja — The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape, citing increasing incidents of abductions, ethnic violence, and renewed Boko Haram attacks. In a strongly worded statement issued by its Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI condemned the spate of killings and accused the Federal Government of failing to act decisively on persistent security threats across the country. The group also lamented what it described as a collapse of intelligence and law enforcement, particularly in preventing deadly attacks on innocent citizens. Of particular concern to the group is the recent killing of Muslim wedding guests in Plateau State, which it described as a “premeditated massacre” by Christian militias. JNI criticized the Plateau State Government for not taking punitive actions against the perpetrators and demanded justice for the victims, including compensation for bereaved families and medical support for the injured. “The Plateau killings are just the latest chapter in a series of barbaric attacks that have plagued Muslim travellers and communities over the years,” the statement read. “Condemnations alone are no longer enough; governments must act swiftly and decisively.” JNI also condemned recent acts of violence in Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno, and Benue States, as well as the destruction of mosques and killings in areas with long-standing inter-communal tensions. Amid growing fears of reprisal attacks, the group appealed for restraint, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts. It also called on the Plateau government to replace the ABU 18-seater bus destroyed in the attack and asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to seek justice through the courts. Meanwhile, in response to JNI’s accusations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for an end to what it described as “the blame game.” Reverend John Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, emphasized the need for collective accountability and sincere dialogue to break the cycle of violence. “We must stop pointing fingers and focus on peace-building. Reducing these tragedies to a contest for sympathy only prolongs the bloodshed,” Hayab stated. He challenged critics of casualty reporting by international organizations to provide credible evidence, particularly regarding attacks in Southern Kaduna, where CAN says dozens have been buried in mass graves. Both religious bodies agreed on the urgent need for justice and security reforms, but differ in tone and approach. JNI insisted on public prosecution of suspects in the Mangu killings, while CAN stressed unity, honesty, and collaboration as the path to lasting peace. As tensions remain high, the calls for accountability, fairness in reporting, and proactive governance continue to dominate national discourse.
