Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasri Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday condemned in strong terms the early morning bombing which left at least 72 persons dead (official figure) in the Nyanya area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He called on security agents to ensure the perpetrators are exposed and face wrath of the law.

Speaking at the JNI Central Council meeting at its National Headquarters in Kaduna, Sultan Abubakar III prayed to Allah to expose the perpetrators of the evil act, adding: “Nigeria needs God’s intervention now more than ever before.”

He expressed worries over the incessant killing of Muslims, saying: “As always, Muslims are at the receiving end because more Muslims are being killed on daily basis.

“We condemn the bombing in strong terms and pray that Allah will expose the perpetrators in the nearest future. There is the urgent need for the government to come to the aid of innocent Nigerians who are always victims of the attacks and bombings.

“If the government thinks there are things to be done on religious line to stop the killings, we are 100 per cent ready, but we must put aside sentiments of all kinds. We commiserate with all those who lost their lives in all of the insurgencies,” he said.

The Sultan stressed that Nigerians need to put their heads together regardless of religion or tribe and find a lasting solution to the problem.

In his remarks, Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero said the only solution to the killings is prayers and urged Nigerians to turn to God in prayers, seek for forgiveness and further harp on the need to put aside sentiments.

He explained that traditional and religious leaders have a major role to play in finding a lasting solution to the killings, adding that the gap between religious and traditional leaders and government needs to be bridged as a way forward.

“The burden of expectations on the JNI is huge, both from government and the ordinary citizens of our great country. While government expects this organisation to play a more active role in the process of resolving the current state of insecurity in some parts of the country, the ordinary Nigerian, especially Muslims look upon the JNI as beacon of hope in resolving their numerous socio-economic challenges,” Governor Yero said, adding:

“It is true that the JNI may not have been primarily formed to assist with personal problems, but the time has come for a more dynamic approach to the operation of this organisation. JNI cannot stand aloof while the people suffer, it is therefore time to directly engage in human capital development within the Muslim Ummah.

“Today, Muslims in Nigeria are plagued by poverty, insecurity, unemployment and high rate of illiteracy. It is therefore time for the JNI to partner with both government and non-governmental bodies in advancing the course of Islam and Muslims.”

Prayers were conducted for the departed soul and for peace in Nigeria led by the chief Imam of Kano before it went into close doors.

•Photo shows Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III.