NSCIA Cautions Nigerians To Stop Profiling Muslims As Bandits And Kidnappers
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has raised the alarm over what it described as growing attempts to portray Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the country.
The council said such claims were false, misleading and unfair to millions of Muslims who are peaceful citizens and who continue to contribute meaningfully to national development across different sectors.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the NSCIA stated this in a Democracy Day message signed by its spokesperson, Abbas Jimoh.
According to the council, recent efforts by some individuals and groups to associate Islam and Muslims with criminal activities are unjust, dangerous and capable of worsening mistrust among Nigerians.
It warned that giving crime an ethnic or religious colouration could weaken national unity and create unnecessary tension in the country.
The council said, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is deeply concerned about attempts to portray Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.”
It added that such religious profiling was “false, misleading and unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Muslims who contribute to national development across all sectors.”
The NSCIA also referred to the recent kidnapping incident in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that early attempts to link the crime to a particular ethnic or religious group later proved inaccurate.
The council said the incident showed the danger of jumping to conclusions before security agencies complete their investigations.
It maintained that suspects in criminal cases should be identified and prosecuted based on evidence, rather than their ethnicity, religion or place of origin.
The statement added that crime should be treated as crime, and not as the action of an entire religious or ethnic group.
The council also expressed concern over the security challenges facing the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It said the attacks had continued to claim lives, displace communities, destroy livelihoods and hinder development in many parts of the country.
The NSCIA condemned all forms of violence and called on those involved in criminal activities to desist and embrace peace.
It also expressed sympathy with victims of insecurity and their families, saying Nigerians must continue to stand together against criminality in all forms.
The council called on the media, public commentators and opinion leaders to exercise caution in their reportage and public statements on security matters.
It said narratives capable of deepening division, hatred or mistrust among citizens should be avoided, especially at a time when the country needs unity to confront insecurity.
The NSCIA said responsible communication was important in preventing criminals from exploiting religious and ethnic differences for their own interests.
The council commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country.
It, however, called for greater cooperation among citizens, community leaders, religious bodies and security agencies to restore peace and protect lives and property.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to remain united, law-abiding and committed to the peace and stability of the country.
