The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) today condemns the barbaric killing of the abducted Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State), Rev Lawan Andimi, by the terror group Boko Haram.

MPAC offers its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and the Nigerian Christian community, and in the days after this tragic incident, we urge all people to pray for the souls of victims of terrorism, and for all people to pledge to work to uphold the Quranic value of the sacredness of human life, for believers in God and all people.

We live in challenging times. Whether through indiscriminate violence, merciless killings or religious fundamentalism, there are many who seek to violently drive us apart. However, we must reject any bigotry and hatred and rely on our faith traditions for moral guidance and strength. Through our words and actions, let us allow our faith in God to refocus our minds on the need to renew our commitment to building mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The text of the Qur’an is clear on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, young or old, male or female, Muslim, Christian or people of no religious affiliation.

“Do not kill yourselves, for verily Allah has been to you most merciful” (Quran 4: 29)

“….take not life which Allah has made sacred” (Quran 6:151)

This heinous crime should therefore be seen for what it truly is: a criminal act by hate cultists who have no respect for constituted authority, rule of law and no regard for the sacred traditions. Their action, and the potential it has to further damage community cohesion are the main motivators for their devilish vision to turn this country into a killing field.

Without doubt, Boko Haram and similar groups that have adopted a violent way of life have gone beyond basic principles of humanity. It is now more important for us, mostly through interfaith works, to confront the perverted mindset of the criminals responsible for these killings and challenge their bloodthirsty and dark ideologies. As these hate cultists are a common threat to us all, we must all work together to confront them and by the will of Allah bring their reign of terror to an end.

MPAC once again calls on the government to intensify efforts to stop the actions of all terror groups, secure the release of Nigerians still in captivity, confront the challenge of merciless killers in our midst and ensure that our shared future is more positive than our current state.

Abdulwarees Solanke
Director, Media & Strategic Communications,
Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC Nigeria.