Umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), has alleged that Friday’s bomb blasts in Kano Central Mosque which claimed over 150 lives was targeted towards justifying the extension of state of emergency in the troubled North-East region.

A statement issued today in Kaduna by JNI General Secretary, Dr. Aliyu Khalid, asked: “But must blood be spilled to justify the extension of State of Emergency?

“Why is it that any time, the ineffective State of Emergency is about to elapse and or an extension is being sought, attacks are carried out with sophistication?

“Are we really aware of the repercussions of spilling the blood of innocent souls? What is the essence of the Government’s War on Terror and its attendant huge budget? Where are the Intelligence and Security Agencies? Can we afford to continue relying on them for our safety and security? Why? Why? Why?”

The statement added: “We ask ad infinitum with no satisfactory answers. Without mincing words, Nigeria is being misgoverned to the brink!”

JNI said it will not be deterred nor cowed in observing the way and manner Muslims are being killed in Nigeria, particularly the North.

JNI expressed shock and deep pain over the news of the Kano Central Mosque terrorist attack.

“Only Allah, can ascertain the total number of death toll that have gone for worship and within a twinkle of an eye sporadic shootings ensued targeting worshipers that tried escaping the inferno,” JNI said, adding:

“In a similar day, precisely Friday, 20th of January, 2012, several coordinated bomb blasts rocked Kano, yet no body was prosecuted and nothing is done to protect the lives of the citizenry.”

JNI condemned in the strongest term, “these repeated acts of terror being unleashed on Muslims” and called on Muslims to remain calm and keep vigil over happenings around them, “take all defensive measures within the purview of the laws to protect themselves since government has clearly failed.”

It deeply sympathised with all the affected victims of the recent Maiduguri Monday Market bomb blast, the Mubi attacks and the Kano Central Mosque bomb blasts, condoling the families that lost their lives in the unfortunate incidents.

It called on all authorities concerned to be manifestly committed to their responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians as no development can be achieved in a situation of fear, insecurity and chaos.

The statement also reads: “All hands must be on deck to stop these persistent massacres of lives and properties, as Nigeria is now a theatre of needless blood loss.

“All Imams and their respective followers are urged to intensify special prayers, because according to the Prophet (PBUH) ‘Prayer is the weapon for the believer’. Therefore, prayers like HASBUNALLAHU WANI’MAL WAKIL AND LA HAULA WALA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH, AND INNA LILLAHI WA’INNA ILLAIHI RAJI’UN, among others, should be repeatedly recited as much as one could.

“Likewise we reiterate the previous directives of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, on Al-Qunuut for peace and security to be restored in Nigeria. Respective Mosque Management Committees must be strengthened to handle all eventualities, likewise Muslim communities.

“May Allah, The All-Mighty, The Compeller, The Supreme, and The All-Knowing, bring an end to this scourging evil, put to shame the perpetrators, uncover their evil plans and grant us lasting peace, security and a promising future full of happiness and development, Amin.”

•Photo shows the Kano Central Mosque before the attack.