By Umar Bayo Abdulwaha
Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has tasked the federal government and it security agencies to provide security cover in all schools and villages in the troubled North- East states to protect innocent lives.
The group in a statement by its coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, acknowledged the effort of the government and security agencies so far in fighting insurgents.
It, however, said “practical strategies need be evolved to save more lives by implementing our recommendations.”
It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to as a matter of urgency pay a ‘solidarity visit’ to Chibok, Borno state to see the Parents of the abducted students in addition to the good promises he has made on their education and welfare.
“The Presidential visit will convince not only the Parents but the entire Nigerians where ever they are that Mr. President cares for them. This is in line with our valued culture as empathy and sincere concern is manifested through such act.”
It added: “By continuing attacks and killings this holy month of Ramadan, it has further confirmed to the whole World that insurgents are not Muslims but agent of destruction, carnage and destabilisation.
“In this regard, we appeal to the Mass media across the nation and beyond to desist from referring to them as Islamic sect because killers of innocent human beings could never be regarded as Muslims as Islam abhors killing of people in whatever form except those found guilty and condemned to death according to the law.”
The MMWG also renewed its appeal to the Boko Haram insurgents to ‘sheath their sword’ and embrace peace by releasing the 219 abducted Chibok schoolgirls and open arena for dialogue to restore peace in the land.
The group commended the media for their wonderful roles in publicising the whole matter including several effort made to unravel the unpleasant scenario playing-out in the North-Eastern part of the country, Abuja, Kano and other areas affected in the country.
