By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed concern over what it described as increasing attacks on Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure justice for victims of violent crimes and to prevent actions capable of undermining national peace and unity.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the President-General of the Council, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the NSCIA reaffirmed its commitment to peace, national unity and religious harmony despite what it described as persistent provocation and marginalisation of Muslims.
The Council condemned what it termed “reckless and baseless” comments made by a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a recent television programme, alleging that the remarks were capable of inciting religious tension and profiling Islam and Muslims.
According to the NSCIA, some Christian leaders have continued to link Muslims and Fulani communities to acts of kidnapping and violence without evidence.
It cited the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, noting that those arrested in connection with the crime were not Muslims, contrary to earlier allegations.
The Council also referred to the suspect arrested over the kidnapping and murder in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, claiming the individual was a Christian pastor, and criticised what it described as selective media coverage of the incident.
The NSCIA further alleged that some media organisations and public commentators apply double standards when reporting crimes involving suspects of different religious backgrounds, warning that such narratives could fuel mistrust and threaten national cohesion.
The Council also decried what it described as the marginalisation of Muslims in public appointments, arguing that Muslims are often replaced by non-Muslims whenever vacancies arise in government positions.
It cited the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Adelabu as one example while recalling previous administrations in which presidential candidates and senior government officials shared the same Christian faith without attracting similar criticism.
Expressing concern over recent killings in Benue and Kaduna states, the NSCIA condemned the murder of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, who were reportedly killed after attending a peace meeting in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Council also referenced reports alleging that a female Muslim scholar was handed over by police officers to a mob, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The NSCIA urged security agencies to investigate all those connected with the killings and other violent crimes, insisting that perpetrators should be prosecuted transparently and in accordance with the law.
It warned that failure to bring those responsible to justice could encourage impunity and threaten public order.
While reiterating its appeal to Muslims across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the Council urged government authorities to take decisive action against hate speech, religious profiling and violence, stressing that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement said.
The NSCIA maintained that it remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of all faiths while urging all religious and community leaders to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions.
This version presents the NSCIA’s claims as allegations and attributes them clearly, following standard journalistic practice while maintaining neutrality.
