Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, also known as the NSCIA, and the Sultan of Sokoto, has strongly decried the massacre of a group of innocent Muslims who were returning from Bauchi to Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday.

Following up on the statements of their excellencies the Governor of Plateau state and Governor Ondo states, the Sultan, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Administration, National Security and Intelligence Agency (NSCIA), Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-ugwu indicated that it was a case of mistaken identity and that it was not specifically targeted at Muslim communities.

The council urged all Muslims to maintain their composure and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The statement said that the council has re-emphasized the fact that no human life, regardless of religion or ethnicity, deserves to be sacrificed for any reason.

The Supreme Council quoted Qur’an 49:6 as saying, “O you who have believed! If any transgressors offer you news (that necessitates action), make sure to thoroughly investigate it (before you believe and act on it), lest you injure a group of individuals who are unaware of what you have done and subsequently feel regret for what you have done.”

As part of the statement, the Sultan reassured all peace-loving persons and organizations that necessary measures would be taken following a thorough inquiry.

While searches for the eight missing Muslims continue, the council called on law enforcement officials to apprehend all those responsible for the heinous crimes and ensure that appropriate justice is served.

The council, on the other hand, expressed sympathy to all Muslims, particularly Sheikh Dahiru Banchi, the host of the religious event from which the victims were returning, and prayed that Almighty Allah cures the wounded and grants al-Jannah to the martyrs who have died.