Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar yesterday said the incessant violence in the North is being exploited to blackmail Islam by associating it with terrorism. In a speech he gave in Sokoto to mark the Eid el-Fitr, Sultan Sa'ad said also there is reasonable room to suspect that enemies of Islam are hiding under the cover of the religion to commit criminal acts.
He reiterated that the recurrent "terrorists" attacks in parts of the North are un-Islamic.
"In recent times, we realise the extent to which our religion is being blackmailed by associating it with terrorism," he said, referring to the recurrent incidents of shootings and bombings blamed on the Boko Haram sect.
"This created unpleasant atmosphere of fear and general insecurity, particularly in the northern part of this country."
"Without doubt, the terrorists acts being witnessed in states like Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Kano, Plateau and Kogi are against the teachings of Islam. Islam condemns all forms of terrorism and exploitation, regardless of their magnitude especially in the holy month," he added.
Sultan Sa'ad urged Muslims not to allow themselves to be used by "enemies of Islam" to perpetrate acts of violence.
"We should also not allow them to make us commit acts prohibited by our religion," he added.
He also urged those involved in "nefarious acts" to resort to dialogue.
"They should rather seek to resolve issues through dialogue with their leaders. On our part, we shall continue to render assistance in providing solution to such serious problems through wise counsel, peaceful means and dialogue," he said.
In Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the Sallah celebration as "a great moment not just for Muslims but all Nigerians to reflect on the unity of Nigeria."
"What we are passing through as nation can be overcome with prayers," he added, apparently referring to the security challenges facing the nation.
Jonathan spoke when Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo led a delegation of Abuja Muslim community to pay Sallah homage to the president at his residence.
"We must unite, for us to progress, there must be peace," he said.
He reiterated his administration's commitment to the implementation of the transformation agenda, stressing that peace will be key to achieving that.
Earlier, Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohammed commended Jonathan for waiting patiently for the Muslim group to pay the traditional homage instead of him leaving for church service yesterday being a Sunday.
Speaking, Sambo pledged support for the president.
"We will continue to support you Mr President to deliver the transformation agenda. We assure you of our loyalty and we pray that this country will be transformed under your leadership," he said.
Sambo was accompanied by the PDP national chairman Bamanga Tukur, Senator Philip Aduda, who represented Senate President David Mark, Police Affairs Minister Caleb Olubolade, Minister of State for Finance Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for FCT Olajumoke Akinjide, Head of Civil Service of the Federation Isa Bello Sali, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar and Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar.
Also on the delegation were former speaker of House of the Representatives Ghali Na'Abba, former Minister of State Foreign Affairs Salamatu Suleiman and former PDP chairman Amadu Ali.
Peaceful Eid in spite of fears
The Eid el-Fitr celebration was largely peaceful around the country yesterday, in spite of fears of violence in the restive states of the North.
In Maiduguri and Damaturu, where rumours spread last week of attacks planned for the Sallah period, there were no major incidents recorded. Eid prayers were observed in the various praying grounds amidst tight security.
But minor incidents were recorded in Jos and Kano.
In Jos, Plateau State, Muslim faithful who were returning from the Eid prayer ground were stoned by some Christian youths in the Katako junction area, and the situation almost degenerating into a fight.
"Some Christian youths blocked the road that leads to Farin gada, and they were stoning cars coming from the Eid ground. Before we knew it, a group of Muslims also started throwing stones," Katako junction resident Bala Muhammad, who witnessed the incident, told Daily Trust.
"Some people sustained injuries and I saw a car burnt down but thank God for the security men who dispersed everyone and opened the roads for use."
Spokesman for the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Salisu Mustapha, said the incident was just a misunderstanding and that no damage to human lives or property was recorded.
In Kano, gunmen yesterday attacked a Joint Task Force (JTF) checkpoint along Zaria Road, shooting a riot police officer but not killing him, few hours after the Ed el-Fitr prayers.
Witnesses said the attackers rode a motorcycle and fired at officers around 1pm, resulting in a gun duel with the security men, who repelled the attack.
But the Sallah celebrations went on peacefully in other parts of the city and the state, with families and friends paying visits to relations and loved ones.
Spokesman for the JTF in Kano, Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha, while confirming yesterday's attack, said the police officer was not injured. "When they opened fire at them, bullets brushed his boots. He was not hit and as I'm talking to you now, he is at the scene performing his duties," he said.
Daily Trust