The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has described Wednesday morning’s dastardly attack on the border town of Bama in Borno State the peak of barbarism and lawlessness, warning that the country is gradually slipping into anarchy.

The umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims said in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said it “received with shock and bewilderment the cruel and rattled attacks on innocent people of Bama.”

“However, more devastating and painful was the attack on Shehu of Bama’s Palace, which was reported to have claimed about fourty (40) lives, including the son of the Shehu of Bama, senior counsellors/aids of Bama Emirate Council and properties worth over millions of naira destroyed after setting a substantial part of the palace on fire,” JNI said.

According to the statement: “It is quite unfortunate, regrettable and condemnable that, after the unfortunate Konduga, Izge (Gwoza), Madagali massacres which should have been the last in such attacks at these times, a more diabolical attack would be unleashed on innocent citizens of Bama in Borno State, and would continue unabated for a number of hours. Indeed this is the peak of barbarism and lawlessness.

“Regrettably, while we are in mourning period praying to Allah (SWT) fervently for consolation and waiting to see the measures that government will take for us to be overwhelmed, yet another catastrophic attack in Bama was reported. This sends a very negative impression to the discerning mind about the state of affairs vis-a-vis security in Nigeria. This act cannot be seen happening in any developed part of the world.

“JNI lament this sorry state of violence and insecurity in the strongest terms, for the nation seems to be gradually sliding into lawlessness leading to multiple losses of innocent lives. However, JNI sends its condolences to the Government and good people of Borno State as well as to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, CON, over the unfortunate recurring attacks in Bama, on his family and the palace in Bama, Borno State.

JNI reiterates its several calls that rules of engagement should be professionally employed by the Joint Task Force and other security agencies in curbing insurgencies in Nigeria so as to reduce collateral damages recorded in such types of upheavals. The Federal Government must be seen doing something positive beyond lip assurances.”

•Photo shows JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.