Bombings: JNI, CAN in war of words

Started by MrVan, May 23, 2012, 06:01 PM

MrVan

By Luka Binniyat

KADUNA — The Jamma'tu Nasril Islam, JNI, and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday traded words over the identity of bombers in the country.

JNI said it had heaved a sigh of relief following reports that some Christians were also involved in the various bomb attacks in the country, while CAN accused the Islamic body of playing to the gallary in its claim that it was against bombers in the country, pointing out that Muslims were re-baptising their members involved in bombings with Christian name to hoodwink Nigerians on the true position of things in the country.

The JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, had said in a statement in Kaduna that it was glad that the alleged bomber arrested in Abuja for allegedly carrying three hand grenades and ammunition and another who was said to have confessed to being the brain behind the Bayero University Kano, BUK, bombings all bore Christian names.

"All thanks are due to Allah, the Most High for vindicating the JNI," on the issue, Dr Aliyu stated.

But, spokesman for the President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oristejiafor, Mr Kenny Ashaka, reacted to the JNI claims, saying the association was too desperate and hasty in covering up their  members who are, "unremorseful, proud Islamic terrorists."

Ashaka asked: "Is the JNI now saying that bombers arrested in Borno, Yobe, Kano, Jos, Kaduna are all Christians?  JNI should stop deceiving itself and its followers, because we the Christians of Nigeria know that no Christian would do what Islamic terrorists are doing and posting gleefully on the internet."

The JNI's statement had stated:  "JNI once again notes with bewilderment the usual ways serious security issues are treated  at the expense of the state.

"All thanks are due to Allah, the Most High for vindicating the JNI, because sometimes in February 2012, we issued a statement, demanding explanations from the CAN President on why some Christians are arrested in Muslims attires/dresses, while attempting to bomb or commit act of terrorism.

Few of such were the cases of one Lydia Joseph, the failed bomber of St. John Catholic Cathedral, Bauchi. The man arrested in Bayelsa State was also in turban, like the Gombe case."

"Again we were astonished to hear of one Augustine Effiong in connection with the BUK bomb attack."

"Moreso , either Christians were arrested at the COCIN Church of Miyabarkatai,  Bauchi State. It here suffixes to state in unequivocal terms that Christians are also involved in sophisticated terrorism in Nigeria.

"Once more, we demand explanation from the CAN President: why are Christians are disguising in Muslim dress as they carry out heinous crimes against the state.

He should stop chasing the shadows over what he calls, "the final call.

''JNI reiterates that had Mr. John Alako Akpavan, the man arrested at the Radio House yesterday, were to be a Muslim; the story would have been different. But it is evidently manifest that hence, he is a Christian, then he is either insane, incapacitated... but if the suspected or arrested person was to be a Muslim, he is a terrorist, Boko Haram or fundamentalist.

''Muslim leadership wishes to assure the government and the good people of Nigeria, that it is working seriously and ready to cooperate with whoever wants to work for a harmonious cooperate existence of the Nigerian federation.

''It is our fervent wish that religious, political and traditional leaders at all levels should come together and salvage our dear nation from the shambles of corruption, greed, and maladministration. ''It is also hoped that provocative statements that are capable of overheating the polity will be avoided by all sundry," the JNI stated.

CAN President reacts

However, the Spokesman to the CAN President, Mr Ashaka accused the JNI of "adding a new dimension to this crime against God and humanity,'' saying that ''they are trying to give every Muslim caught in terrorism a Christian name. The public most be aware of this.said, "It is very sad and unfortunate...

"In the case of the man arrested in Abuja yesterday (Monday), the Spo

 

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