MPAC Condemns New Attack on Muslim Faithful in Delta State

9 Jumada I 1444 AH, 3rd December, 2022

MPAC strongly condemns the evil acts of gun attack and kidnapping targeting innocent Muslims in their mosque on Friday, 2nd of December, 2022, in Ugheli, Delta State. Those who committed this heinous crime have gone beyond the basic principles of humanity and except for an act of terrorism that it was, there can be no justification for the senseless attack which was directed at innocent worshippers in their mosque. The pernicious evil that used to be hoisted by the fringe elements like IPOB in this region seems to be finding its way to the mainstream, unchecked. It is time for this fact to be acknowledged and answered for. Now, all people of faith, moral and conscience can’t afford to be bystanders anymore, we have to be involved in constructive intervention, and ensure that recurring terrorist attacks on the Muslims of this region are stopped and the perpetrators brought to book.

A NEWSSECURITY report states that a resident who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on phone, said the attack took place at about 6.47 am when some Muslim faithful were holding their morning prayers at the Central mosque, located along Okoroda street in Ughelli.

The resident who gave his name simply as Larry, said many residents were jolted from their sleep by gunshots followed by loud cries from people inside the mosque.

“My name is Larry, I am commercial vehicle driver here in Ughelli. I live very close to the central mosque, so this morning at about 6.45 am we heard shooting at the mosque.

“Because of fear, many people in my compound were frightened and we remained inside only peeping through our windows.

“As the shooting lasted, we heard loud cries from some worshippers inside the mosque,” Larry said.

According to him, after the invaders left, many residents thronged to the mosque in their numbers to see what happened.

He said residents helped to evacuate injured worshippers, adding that those that survived the attack suffered severe injuries.

Larry said that some of the worshippers told residents that three of their fellow worshippers were taken away by the gunmen.

The perverted mindset of the perpetrators, who shed blood without regard to any human feelings is a common threat to all Nigerians, and together, we must confront and challenge it.

The murderous ideology which acts as the fuel to these repeated terrorist attacks is the great challenge of our time. MPAC is asking the Nigeria Police to investigate this incident as a hate crime where citizens were targeted on the basis of their religion. We expect that those found responsible, and their supporters will be brought to justice swiftly. We once again call on the governments of the South South region of Nigeria to intensify efforts and confront the challenge of hate cultists targeting Muslims and mercilessly killing them.

-End-

Disu Kamor

Executive Chairman

Muslim Public Affairs Centre

Email: kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org

Website: www.mpac-ng.org

—————–

As you’re here…

MPAC has one humble request from you…

Thousands of Nigerian Muslims rely on the services we provide at MPAC and thousands more from around the world visit our website for news every day. Due to the significant challenges we face in dealing with Muslim-related issues in a heightened Islamophobic environment, MPAC is constantly under financial strain to meet our financial needs.

To maintain editorial and financial independence, with no sectarian or political allegiance to any particular group or movement, MPAC relies only on donations from individuals like you.

It is easy to understand the importance of organisations that do the sort of work we do at MPAC in today’s climate. Please support us financially and please support us for as little as N1000 a month. It only takes a minute to make a one-off donation or to set up a standing order with your bank. Jazakallah khayran.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best deeds are those done regularly, even if they are small.” [Ibn Mājah]