The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over the recent attack in Plateau State, where over 155 people were killed on Christmas Eve.
He called on the government to go beyond condemning the attacks and to enhance security measures.
He spoke at the closing ceremony of the 8th National Islamic Vocational Course (IVC) held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium on Wednesday, organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN.
Expressing worry over the high spate of insecurity in Nigeria, the Sultan questioned the recurring clashes and loss of lives within the country.
He emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent such attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering mechanisms.
He therefore urged the government to step up its game in protecting lives and property. He emphasised the importance of confidence in leadership and called for unity across religious lines.
In a plea to leaders, the Sultan called for a collective effort to address the insecurity bedevilling the nation, declaring that the time for deep slumber is over.
He said: “We always condemn such things but after condemning such activities by these bandits and criminals, what next? What are the roles of the government who are supposed to protect lives and property? Why can’t we be proactive and stop such attacks before they happen? What happened to our intelligence-gathering mechanism?
“Can anybody tell me that no one knew such attacks were coming? In various places, whether in Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Kaduna, or anywhere, have we lost our sense of intelligence information to avert any of such crimes? We must ask our government to up the game because these bandits are always a step ahead.
“We must call on our leaders to rise up to the occasion; things are not right and where things are not right anything can happen. But as Muslims, we believe in Almighty Allah, who does what He wants to do when he wants to do so. Let’s continue with our prayers. Let’s pray and as we pray we will put pressure on our leaders. Let’s not leave our leaders with their own problems.”
Plateau attack: ‘Take action’ – Sultan urges government
