Christian Elders’ Forum of Northern States (NOSCEF) has condemned the murder of popular Islamic scholar and preacher, Sheikh Muhammad Albani, who was killed in Zaria alongside his wife and son.
NOSCEF praised the “display of courage of the scholar in opposing the terrorist attacks of the proscribed Boko Haram sect”, just as the forum condemned the federal government on the lingering insecurity in the North.
The forum stated this in Kano while reacting to the death of the scholar in a statement made available to newsmen and co-signed by the its Chairman, Elder Olaiya Phillips, and National Secretary, Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim.
It said: “We in NOSCEF believe that all Nigerians have the right to speak out and worship freely without the threat of violence or intimidation. And we demand that action is taken to protect these freedoms for all Nigerians, including both Christians and Muslims.
“He was a well-respected leader of his community and Islamic scholar. He has shown great courage in opposing the terrorists of Boko Haram. Once again, the enemies of religious belief have sought to silence the voice of a champion of faith.”
In the same vein, the forum called on the federal government to ensure that the lives of peaceful Christian and Muslim faithful are protected, especially in the face of escalating insecurity in the northern part of the country.
It added: “We ask: how many more people of faith must be murdered before the necessary action is taken to safeguard the simple act of worship?
“Today, the people of Northern Nigeria, of all religions, stand together to mourn the passing of a fellow patriot. May he, his wife and son truly rest in peace.
“On behalf of NOSCEF and people of faith across Northern Nigeria, we express our deepest condolences to the family of Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Albani Zaria.”