Insecurity: Clerics urge FG to take tough stance on banditry, terrorism
A Muslim cleric and security expert, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has called on the federal government to avoid negotiating with terrorists and kidnappers, emphasising the need for a religious and practical approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria. Dr. Ajia made the remarks on the sidelines of the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for the […]
A Muslim cleric and security expert, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has called on the federal government to avoid negotiating with terrorists and kidnappers, emphasising the need for a religious and practical approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
Dr. Ajia made the remarks on the sidelines of the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for the Nation, organised by the ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation in Abuja.
The programme was themed “Faith and Justice: The Islamic Judicial Perspective on Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria.”
He noted that community policing could significantly curb insecurity if properly implemented.
“You cannot negotiate with kidnappers or insurgents. The government must adopt practical measures, including a robust model of community policing, to address the menace,” he said.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, recommended capital punishment for terrorists and kidnappers, citing Qur’anic provisions.
Represented by Barrister Adam Olorie-Aje, Abikan said, “The Quran prescribes severe measures for those engaging in violence, terrorism, and oppression. The simplest and most lenient Islamic provision for terrorism and banditry is haphazard amputation to incapacitate offenders.”
Dr. Sharafudeen Aliagan, Chairman and Founder of ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation, said the lecture aimed to clarify Islam’s position on terrorism and banditry.
“It is timely to highlight the Islamic perspective on these issues. We invited members of the Christian community to foster dialogue and let the world understand Islam’s stance on peace and justice,” he said.