The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Afairs (NSCIA) has condemned the killing of Rev Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram, saying the terrorists are “ trying to make the country ungovernable and to incite Christians against Muslims in Nigeria.”
NSCIA made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday by Aselemi Ibrahim, its Head of Media and Communication.
The statement reads : “The leadership of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,NSCIA, has received with great shock the news of the killing of Pastor Lawan Andimi, the CAN branch chairman of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state by Boko Haram.
“We condemn it in the strongest terms. It is barbaric, provocative and a flagship example of man inhumanity to man. The Council believes that Boko Haram is trying to make the country ungovernable and to incite Christians against Muslims in Nigeria.
“The Council hereby expresses her heart-felt condolences to the immediate family of Pastor Lawan Andimi in particular and the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in general.
“We equally want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the leadership of CAN in Nigeria to be wary of the comments and statements it puts out in the public domain, so as not to play into the antics of the enemy. We should think-through and be sure that our comments are in the interest of national peace, security and cohesion.
“We want to state unequivocally that we are committed to a united Nigeria, where every one is protected and free to practice his/her religion without any encumbrances.
“We call on the Federal Government and the security apparati to be alive to their responsibilities of protection of lives and properties.”