By Abdulwahab abdullah

DISTURBED by the recent spate of multiple bomb blasts in several parts of the country in which hundreds of innocent Nigerians including journalists were killed in various attacks by Boko Haram in the northern part of the country, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, at its retreat held at the University of Ibadan, has condemned the attack saying the group is not a representative of the Muslims in the country.

The communique which was jointly signed by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede (Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin),  chairman of the Retreat and Prof. D.O.S. Noibi, Executive Secretary of the association stated that it dissociate itself from the use of violence to settle scores in the Nigerian polity and all the dastardly acts claimed by the Boko Haram group.

“We declare that the violent activities of the group are against the dictates of Islam which is a religion of peace, and the group therefore is not representative of the Muslims in South West Nigeria and the country as a whole,” adding that religious ignorance, indoctrination, provocation and intolerance should be seriously and frontally tackled.

It suggested that Islamic Studies and Christian Religious Studies should be made compulsory up to Secondary School level in order to enhance moral values and instil the fear of God in our youth.

While also calling on government to pay greater attention to intelligence gathering in order to nip criminality in the bud, it urged that: “branches of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) should be urgently established in every state as a meeting point for both Muslim and Christian leaders at the grassroots to discuss issues affecting their religions and thereby foster peace and harmony among their congregations.”

The statement further reads: “That Governments at all levels- executive, legislature and judiciary at local, state and federal – should take practical, transparent and verifiable steps to enforce the country’s laws against acts of corruption, and drastically reduce wastage and the cost of governance in order to regain the trust of the Nigerian people.

“That State Governments especially in the South West should establish agricultural projects and farm settlements in every local government in order to provide employment, boost food production and reduce hunger and poverty in the land.”

“We reiterate our expression of condolence to all victims of the recent acts of violence and destruction of lives and property as well as their relatives, and pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses while calling on governments to provide them with appropriate succour.”