- Mr Mutfwang thanked the group for its support, reiterating his commitment to all citizens irrespective of religious inclinations
The Plateau chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) paid a visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang regarding the recent killings in the state.
The JNI chairman, Emir Mohammed Haruna of Wase, emphasized the importance of stakeholders being more vigilant to early warning signs to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies. He labeled the incident as regrettable and against religious principles.
“You are fully aware there are Muslims living with you in Plateau. We felt that with such development, there’s a need to come to show our love, concern, prayers, support and suggestions on the way forward. I am saying to the governor that Islam in no way encourages such kind of horror,” stated Mr Haruna.
The Emir of Wase added, “Islam does not give anyone the right to take the life of another, and in your government, you have Muslims working with you. I pray that this will be the last time that any gathering like this will hold because of something like this happening on the Plateau.
”It is time for us to put our hands together like our forefathers have done in the past to guard against such. I want to urge you and the local government chairmen to utilise the early warning signals which are usually available before such crises erupts and this recent attacks was no exception.
“May God console those who suffered losses and grant eternal rest to the departed.”
Mr Mutfwang thanked the group for its support, reiterating his commitment to all citizens irrespective of religious inclinations. He pledged to work closely with the Muslim Ummah to develop Plateau.
The governor said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the Muslim Ummah. I appreciate you all for the support you have shown me this far. You have demonstrated to the world that we can live together as one people.
“You have demonstrated to the world that all you care for is a leader who is fair and just, and that is what we promise to all Plateau people.
“We will be fair to all, we will be just to all, irrespective of our faith or tribe; neither of us chose our religions; I, therefore, believe that we are all answerable to God who created us.”
He added, “I want to thank you for the support you have shown to me personally and to the state even at such a time.”
The Plateaus governor stressed the need for them to continue to work for peaceful coexistence within their communities and caution their members against any act that may breach the peace.
The Jama’tu Nasril Islam (“Group for the Victory of Islam”) was founded in 1962 by a coalition of Muslim leaders in northern Nigeria, and served as an umbrella organization for a variety of Muslim groups and interests. It is now led by the Sultan of Sokoto.