The MPAC stands fully in support of press freedom and the ability of the media to discharge its functions and responsibilities in a free manner. We therefore express our solidarity with the affected media houses during this period and we affirm that every attack by the terrorist organization is a human tragedy which affects us all.

The ongoing attacks by Boko Haram, and the threat of more to come issued by the sect, mean that we all must not relax our vigilance against those who do not blink an eye when killing indiscriminately or while undermining national security. These types of attacks indicate once again that all those who engage in the false debate about a mythical Islam calling on its adherents to kill are wrong, as the evil agenda of the Boko Haram has evidently not excluded any faith group. It is getting clearer each day that the dangers that the terrorist organization represents have devastating effects on us all- equally, irrespective of our beliefs- and that they observe no ‘no-go areas‘.

Now more than ever, the media has a duty to turn the tide of public opinion against our common enemy- those terrorists killing Nigerian citizens, and spreading fears. It is time to work together and expose the violent ideology they preach as something totally alien to the faith they are disfiguring. This terrorist organization has engaged in unspeakable brutality, in horrendous and obscene waste of humanity all in the name of forcing the nation under its evil and vile ideology.  But if Nigerians recommit to individual and collective life of discipline, generosity, unity, self-restraint, kindness, forgiveness and patience, we can, over time, change the reality of our nation and overcome the terrorists, insh’ Allah.