ATTACK ON THE EMIR OF KANO: TIGHTEN SECURITY

23^rd January, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

ATTACK ON EMIR OF KANO:

TIGHTEN SECURITY AROUND RELIGIOUS LEADERS

 

Gunmen ferociously attacked the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, during the weekend, killing some of his palace bodyguards and injuring two of his sons. The injuries are reportedly so serious that they have been flown abroad for treatment.

 

We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regard this as one attack too many. Two major problems have now emerged. One: the security agencies are not doing enough. Two: the present Nigerian leadership lacks the political will and the intellectual capacity to tackle or comprehend the dimensions of the country's security challenges.

 

The fact that those who attacked the Emir got away without anyone challenging them reveals the gross ineptitude of our security agencies. Apart from total lack of underground information network which should have uncovered the plot and nipped it in the bud, the attack exposes Nigeria's security apparatus as tragically deficient in strategic planning and poorly equipped in forward-looking defence system.

 

Ceteris paribus, water-tight and absolutely impregnable security should have been knit around the Emir of Kano and all other religious leaders in the North from the day the suspected Boko Haram group had started attacking churches, mosques, Imams and emirs. It is as clear as daylight that the suspected Boko Haram group has rejected the status quo. This is why the group is targeting Muslim leaders. But it is astonishing that our security agencies could not read this barometer even after an emir was attacked some months ago. It is nauseating, preposterous and unacceptable.

 

MURIC demands an explanation from the Inspector General of Police. Kano Police Command must explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against it for allowing this to happen. Ditto for the Kano State Security Service and the JTF Kano wing. What were they doing? This is sheer dereliction of duty.

 

While we thank Allah for the Emir's survival of this atrocious attack, we make an urgent call for the tightening of security around all religious leaders particularly in the North. A very thick cordon must be thrown around the topmost echelon of both the Christian and Muslim organizations from now on.

 

Finally, MURIC reminds President Jonathan that he cannot afford to go to bed while the roof is burning. He should listen to the voice of reason and engage Boko Haram in sincere dialogue. Wars are not won on the battlefield alone. You may win the battle but the war goes on. Dialogue has been the option of MURIC ab initio and on dialogue we still stand.   

 

Professor  Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
234-818-211-9714

234-803-346-4974