The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, SCSN, has called on the Federal and Plateau State governments to move beyond condemnations and take proactive actions to end the recurring cycle of violence in the state.
The Council which made the call in a statement on Friday in the aftermath of the renewed waves of violence in Plateau, following the killing of over 30 people in Angwan Rukuba of Jos North Local Government Area last Sunday, said condemning the violence without any tangible efforts to curb them by authorities is no longer acceptable.
In the statement which was signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the SCSN expressed outrage over the attack and called for urgent, decisive action from government and security agencies.
“The continued cycle of violence followed only by routine condemnations from authorities is no longer acceptable,” the Shariah Council said.
“Statements without corresponding action have become painfully predictable and insufficient,” the council stated.
It added that the Jos attack which appeared to be premeditated and coordinated, “raised concerns about the involvement of well-funded groups, including possible foreign elements.”
“It is the primary responsibility of government at all levels to protect the lives and property of citizens and we are urging leaders to demonstrate the political will and operational capacity required to end the killings.
“These external actors, often working through local collaborators, exploit our socio-religious fault lines to foment discord, weaken national cohesion, and sustain cycles of violence for geopolitical and economic interests,” the statement noted.
The SCSN further called for a thorough and credible investigation into the incident, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, including their sponsors, while also advising security agencies to remain vigilant and impartial, and urged religious leaders to promote peace and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
