MURIC Rejects Allegations Linking Muslims To South-West Terrorism

[Awwal]

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly denied allegations that it or any Yoruba Muslim group invited Boko Haram members or bandits into South-West Nigeria. The organisation described the claims as false, misleading, and intended to create hatred against Muslims and Islamic organisations in the region.

MURIC's Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said the group recently became aware of a social media post accusing it of radicalising Islamic clerics in the South-West and encouraging terrorists to enter the region. He stated that the allegation has no basis in fact and should not be taken seriously.

According to Akintola, Yoruba Muslims have faced different forms of religious discrimination for many years. He argued that whenever Muslim groups speak out for their rights, some people quickly label them as extremists or radicals without any evidence.

The MURIC leader questioned why any Muslim organisation would support Boko Haram or bandits when those groups have caused suffering to both Muslims and Christians across Nigeria. He noted that many Muslims have also lost their lives to terrorist attacks carried out by such criminal groups.

Akintola further explained that MURIC has consistently condemned terrorism, violence, and insecurity in Nigeria. He said the organisation has issued several public statements over the years against Boko Haram and other violent groups, while also condemning attacks on churches, communities, and innocent citizens.

MURIC called on all Yoruba people to unite against insecurity instead of allowing religious differences to divide them. The group stressed that fighting banditry and terrorism should be a collective effort and reaffirmed that it would continue defending its rights despite criticism, threats, or attempts to damage its reputation.

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