Renowned Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar and public affairs commentator, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has strongly condemned the recent killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State but called for calm.
He also warned against any form of reprisal in the North, believing that the government would do the right thing by way of bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to book to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to take the law into their own hands.
To him, taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable and goes against the principles of religion and social justice, stressing that killing innocent people based on their tribal or ethnic affiliation is morally reprehensible and has no place in a society governed by laws.
Gumi commended the North for not seeking revenge, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“The immediate reaction from the North is commendable in the sense that it did not take the laws into its hands even though voices were calling for revenge.
“How can you do that to the innocent person(s)? This is against the ethics of religion and even social justice. How do you explain killing someone just because of his tribal or ethnic affiliation without committing any crime?
“You can apprehend and arrest suspects as citizens, but not to kill or set them ablaze. That was too barbaric. Nigeria should grow beyond that.
“I’m very happy that there is no reprisal in the North, and anybody who wants to speak along that line should be tamed immediately.
“At the same time, the perpetrators of the crime should be fished out and brought to book so next time, people will not just take the laws into their own hands,” he said.
He urged politicians and clergy from the South to work towards promoting unity and tolerance, emphasizing that Nigeria should strive to move beyond such barbaric acts.
“What happened in Uromi, Edo State, simply showed that our politicians and clergy from the South have a lot of work to do. People should know that you don’t just take the laws into your hands in a country with a constituted authority,” he added.
