Unfortunately, violence of this kind has become commonplace in Nigeria; but the killings of innocent people during prayer in front of other worshippers is an act of violence so severe that it is most dangerous and ominous. Killing innocent worshippers in a Mosque is by itself a flagrant violation of the sacredness of a house of worship and a provocation that represents a paradigm shift in this country.

The President Obasanjo’s instant condemnation of the vicious murders is hollow and simply insufficient. It is fashionable for the government to issue a statement condemning assassination of public figures whenever this occur without actually implementing policies to stop the escalating trend. Had our government truly been serious about protecting human lives and committed the necessary amount of resources toward ensuring that perpetrators of the unresolved killings of political and religious figures are caught and punished, this dangerous incident may not have happened. The bankruptcy and wrong-headedness of our internal security policies on which the President sat for 8 years must finally be addressed and corrected by the incoming administration. Also, the Kano State Government should demonstrate its responsibility for the safety and welfare of its people by galvanizing actions and bringing all possible resources to bear on fishing out the perpetrators of this dastardly act.  The task of finding these merciless killers rest squarely on the shoulders of the State Governor who is the chief security officer of his state.  He needs to do this so that residents of Kano can be assured of safety in the daily conduct of their business and during worships, which are solemn period.

The MPAC welcomes the statement of the Kano State Shura Council in its emergency meeting in Kano at the weekend, calling on relevant authorities to fish out the perpetrators of the wanton acts, bring them to book and see to it that justice is done.