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Imam Describes Military/Shiite Clash As Unfortunate

The National Missioner of Ansar-ud–Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdulrahman Ahmad, on Thursday described as “unfortunate” the clashes between the military and members of the … Continue reading Imam Describes Military/Shiite Clash As Unfortunate


Abdulrahman_AnsarudeenThe National Missioner of Ansar-udDeen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdulrahman Ahmad, on Thursday described as “unfortunate” the clashes between the military and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

He said the clash was “avoidable and unnecessary” and also expressed deep concern of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) about the development and has been taking measures to ensure tensions are doused.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, the Imam said that the NSCIA held an extended emergency general meeting and “formed a group, of which I am a member, to ensure that both sides are brought together and ensure the crises does not progress from here”.

He maintained that “Nigeria can ill-afford another crises on our hands; religious, ethnic, political or economic” because “we already have more that we are dealing with” and urged all concerned to embrace peace.

He further noted that “Boko Haram did not start as a violent group, until its leader was extra-judicially assassinated and things never remained the same. We could learn from that and do everything we can to prevent a re-occurrence”.

The Imam noted that he has limitations as to what he can say but said we (Nigerians) could draw lessons from what has been happening to us as a country adding that “we are better together.

“We should find a much better way – and it’s possible – of handling issues. We must conduct ourselves as a religious, ethnic or political group in a manner that will promote peace”, insisting that “violence is an ill wind that blows no one no good”, he said.

Speaking on the Islamic creed, but not passing judgment on the incident that happened in Zaria because he does not have details, he said “It is a fundamental principle of Islam that you must obey constituted authority.

“If there are issues, then the courts are there to sort it”, he maintained.