By DEJI ABDULWAHAB

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the killing of a teacher and abduction of several teachers and students in Borno by terrorists.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incidents occurred on Monday, after the terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

The Council, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed profound outrage over the incidents.

In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Mr Abbas Jimoh, in Abuja on Thursday, the council said that the reprehensible attack had left one teacher dead while scores of innocent students and teachers were abducted.

“This is yet another reminder that terrorism remains a grave existential threat to Nigeria and demands an uncompromising national response,” it said.

The Council noted that the unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constituted a despicable crime against humanity.

It added that these unfortunate incidents that continued to reoccur have remained a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future and must be stopped immediately.

“The Council is greatly concerned that this latest attack comes few weeks after the May 15 abduction of 42 pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same local government area.

“The kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo, also occurred on the same day, all of whom remain in captivity.

“The Council is particularly disturbed that the terrorists exploited Lassa’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching their assault.

“This shows that the terrorists have continued to adapt their methods and exploit security gaps,” it said.

NSCIA advised that intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and community-based early warning mechanisms must be significantly strengthened to reduce the vulnerability of compatriots to terrorists’ attacks.

It commended Enugu State Government’s upgrade of its security architecture with an AI-driven tech-heavy model.

It added that the upgrade included the newly launched Command and Control Centre, sophisticated surveillance drones and 150 AI-embedded patrol vehicles that could identify threats and track criminals instantly across the state.

“This should be embraced and strengthened,” it said.

The council commended the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces, especially the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose swift deployment of ground and air assets resulted in the rescue of some of the abducted students and teachers.

“While this achievement deserves commendation, the operation must not cease until every abducted child and member of staff are rescued alive and reunited with their families,” it said.

The Council also mourned the gallant soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation, adding that their bravery and patriotism have strengthened the determination required to defeat terrorism.

It reiterated its position that terrorism has no place in Islam, adding that “Boko Haram and ISWAP were enemies of Islam and humanity.

It further argued that their actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge.

“Those who murder innocent people, abduct children, terrorise communities, and destroy schools cannot in any way claim to represent Islam or any recognised religious tradition,” it said.

The Council commiserated with the Government and people of Borno, the management of the affected school, the parents and families of the abducted students, and all those affected by the latest tragedy.

It reaffirmed that Nigeria should never surrender to terror, adding that those who wage war against innocent citizens must be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and made to face the full weight of the law.

This, according to the Council, will ensure lasting peace and security throughout the country. (NAN)