SAN FRANCISCO, February 03, (THEWILL) – As calm returns to Zaria, Kaduna State following the brutal killing, Saturday, of a popular Islamic scholar and preacher, Sheikh Muhammad Albani as well as his wife and son by unknown gunmen, a group, the Christian Elders’ Forum of Northern States (NOSCEF), has condemned the killing .
The forum also slammed the Federal Government over the continuing insecurity in the North even as it praised the courage of the late cleric in opposing the activities of Boko Haram insurgents .
In a statement jointly signed in Kano on Monday by the forum’s chairman, Elder Olaiya Phillips and national secretary, Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, the group said NOSCEF believe that all Nigerians have the right to speak out and worship freely, without the threat of violence or intimidation as it demanded that action be taken to protect these freedoms for all Nigerians, including both Christians and Muslims.
The forum, which described the late cleric as 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,” the group said in the statement .
It however called on the Federal Government to ensure the protection of lives and property of Christians and Muslims in the face of growing insecurity in the Northern part of the country.
“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 Muhamman Auwal Albani Zaria,” the statement said.
