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El-ameen Ibrahim
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant institutions to take decisive steps against what it described as increasing attacks on Islam and Muslims, warning that persistent religious profiling and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine national peace and cohesion.
The council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity, while urging authorities to ensure justice for victims of violence irrespective of religious identity.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the council’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA said its longstanding commitment to peace had informed its decision to exercise restraint in the face of what it described as repeated provocations and public attacks directed at Islam and the Muslim community.
According to the council, such restraint should not be interpreted as weakness.
“This commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault, and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country. It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance.”
The organisation further argued that many Muslims feel excluded from important areas of public life, while at the same time facing allegations of religious domination.
The NSCIA also expressed concern over comments made during a recent television programme, saying remarks attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were capable of deepening religious divisions if left unaddressed.
The council maintained that it expected relevant regulatory and security institutions to respond to statements capable of threatening public peace, adding that balanced enforcement of the law remained essential for national stability.
According to the statement, authorities should treat provocative public comments consistently, regardless of the religious background of those involved.
The council also criticised attempts by some commentators to associate criminal activities with particular religious or ethnic groups, citing the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State.
It argued that criminal investigations should be guided strictly by evidence rather than assumptions based on religious or ethnic identity.
Referring to the arrests made in connection with the incident, the NSCIA said the outcome of the investigation underscored the importance of avoiding premature conclusions or generalisations.
The organisation equally expressed concern over media coverage of such incidents, urging news organisations to maintain fairness, balance and professionalism in reporting matters capable of affecting interfaith relations.
The council further condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, following what it said was a peace meeting in Benue State.
It described the incident as disturbing and called for a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The NSCIA also raised concerns over what it described as the declining representation of Muslims in some public appointments, arguing that such developments have contributed to perceptions of marginalisation among members of the Muslim community.
To support its position, the council referenced historical political developments in Nigeria, noting that previous political arrangements involving candidates of the same faith did not generate the level of public controversy witnessed in more recent years.
The organisation reiterated that, despite its concerns, it would continue encouraging Muslims across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
However, it urged government authorities and security agencies to respond more decisively to incidents of violence, religious intolerance and hate speech before they escalate into broader security challenges.
While renewing its appeal for calm, the council called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for violent attacks in Kaduna and Benue states are identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The NSCIA hereby calls on government to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue States are brought to justice, without delay and according to the laws of the land. Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy.”
The council also requested a thorough investigation into allegations surrounding the conduct of police officers in separate incidents involving a female Muslim scholar and the late MACBAN chairman, stressing that due process and transparency should guide any official inquiry.
In addition, the NSCIA appealed to relevant authorities to address what it described as recurring attacks on the image of Islam and Muslims in public discourse, saying responsible engagement and equal treatment under the law remain essential to preserving peace and national unity.
It concluded by urging Nigerians of all faiths to reject divisive narratives and embrace dialogue, mutual respect and justice as the foundation for lasting national cohesion.
“Furthermore, the barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough.”
