Slaughter Of Apo Squatters: Call Spokesperson To Order, Muslim Group Tells SSS

SSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), an umbrella Muslim organization, has advised Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) to caution its spokesperson, Marylyn Ogar, against misleading Nigerians over the killing of seven squatters in the Apo area of Abuja. JNI regretted that Ms. Ogar tried to link the hapless victims of the unprovoked execution to the extremist Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

In a statement issued Monday and signed by its scribe, Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI wrote: “Jama'atu Nasril Islam received with shock and bewilderment the cruel and senseless killings/attacks on innocent people at Apo, in Abuja (FCT), Benisheikh, in Borno State, Wase, in Plateau State, Kafanchan in Kaduna State and also various attacks in Nasarawa and Taraba States. It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after witnessing relative peace in some of these states in recent time, these unfortunate recurring massacres are coming up within 72 hours concurrently claiming many lives! JNI laments this sorry state of affairs in [the] strongest terms, for the nation seems to be [descending] into nihilism leading to multiple loss of innocent lives, the repercussion of which may not be good for the nation in the nearest future. Hence, the situation calls for Allah's guidance and intervention. May He guide us alright, Amin.”

The statement rebuked the SSS spokesperson. “A critical overview of these repeated acts of absurdity clearly depict to the discerned, that the manner in which the SSS spokesperson handles reportage of security issues needs serious introspection, because the spokesperson concludes matters before investigation. The case of the Nasarawa State man found with dynamite in Radio House is still fresh in the memory, as Nigerians are appreciably learned and cannot be taken for a ride. Therefore, the spokesperson should be called to order. It is most likely as reported by the media that the Apo victims were not Boko Haram members as claimed by the spokesperson. More amazing also is the news going round that the military were said to be overwhelmed by insurgents and driven away prior to the Benisheikh attacks. Hence, the use of the military regalia by the insurgents. This act calls for sober reflection, if it is confirmed to be true. And it tells Nigerians the sorry state of the security operatives in Nigeria.”

JNI called on all concerned to be moved by the fear of God and to put a stop to the spilling of blood for no just cause. According to the group, “2015 is two years ahead but regrettably on frequent basis innocent souls are being maimed, killed or massacred for no reason. Therefore, the JNI calls on the Muslim Ummah to rise above the tide by engaging in supplications to Allah, the Most High to bring to an end these acts of barbarism.”

The group called on the Federal and concerned state governments to set up panels of inquiry into recent violent events. After sending condolences to all the affected state governments and their people, JNI restated an “earlier call that rules of engagement should be professionally employed by the Nigerian Army, the police, SSS and other security agencies in curbing insurgencies, so as to reduce collateral damages recorded in such types of upheavals.”