The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have condemned the separate tragedies in Sri Lanka and Gombe State, leading to wanton loss of live and properties.
This is contained in separate statements signed by the Deputy Secretary General, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu and Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the spokesman of CAN President, Dr Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle.
The NSCIA under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubaka III expressed shock over the tragedy on Easter Monday in which 10 people died and 30 others were injured during a night procession in Gombe Metropolis.
“It is very unfortunate that Nigeria has to record this ugly incident, which the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe State referred to as an accident or, as some eyewitnesses said, a product of direct confrontation. Whatever the case was, the losses are regrettable and the condolences of the Council go to the families of the bereaved while our prayers are for the quick recovery of the injured,”: he said.The NSCIA also commiserates with the families of the victims.
It also said it was devastated and depressed by the horrific and dastardly attacks on Christian worshippers on Easter Sunday, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The council said the attack was a most reprehensible, barbaric, callous and inhuman act to launch such savage attacks on a faith community or any group of people at any point at all, not to talk of the time of their communion with the Almighty God.
In a separate statement, the CAN commenting on the Sri Lanka attacks urged the United Nations (UN) to end the menace of terrorism.
Pastor Bayo Oladeji said the CAN, with a heavy heart, stands with the government and people of Sri Lanka.
He also lamented the killings of over 11 persons in Benue State during the Easter celebrations, apart from over 20 others killed and 35 injured in other Easter attacks on Christians in Adamawa and Gombe states.
“It is a tragic irony that these dastardly acts took place while we were celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for the sin of the world, including those terrorists. Our hearts are with the families that are affected and we pray for all those who are recuperating in the hospitals and medical facilities for quick recovery. Ultimately, we call on the Lord to console and comfort all the bereaved,” he said.
He said, “We call on the UN and other global organisations to come to the aid of all the victims in Sri Lanka, France, Nigeria and other countries of the world suffering from similar fate.”
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