Lagos Muslims seek justice for victims of #EndSARS protest

By Shakirah Adunola |   30 October 2020   |   2:58 am  

The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has called for prompt investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the Lekki shootings in order to ensure justice for the victims and also prevent a repeat of such avoidable loss of human life.

The group, in a statement signed by the President of MCLS, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, said it is concerned about the current tension in the state as regards the #ENDSARS protest, noting that subsequent events were traumatic.

“Disgruntled elements went on a rampage, burning both public and private buildings, destroying public facilities, and looting business premises. Chaos and lawlessness which we have never seen before have since prevailed in our dear state,” he stated.

Gbadamosi urged the government and citizens to ensure that calm and peace remain the watchwords, as Nigeria cannot afford the further loss of lives and property.

“As the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has reminded us, Islam places a high premium on life and forbids violence and wanton destruction of property. In light of this, we renew our appeal to all, especially the aggrieved group and rampaging youths, to calm down and embrace peace and order in our communities.

“Violence in any form detracts from the nobility of a cause. Destroying social amenities only makes our living conditions worse. We all lose when our few amenities are destroyed. Surely, we all agree that there is no virtue in killing ourselves; there is no virtue in destroying our properties and legacies; there is no virtue in violence and anarchy; there is no virtue in cutting our nose to spite our face,” he stated.

He urged all sides to go to the negotiating table and secure agreement on modalities, strategies, and timelines to achieve common objectives

“ We appealed for calm and peace in our State and country. We appeal for law and order, more so when the government has listened to the demands of the protesters and shown willingness to examine and proffer acceptable solutions to the issues raised. It is therefore imperative for all sides to embrace peace. . For this purpose, the youths may be well advised to define, organise, and scrutinise leaders who represent them,” Gbadamosi said.

He commended the efforts of the protesting youths to end police brutality. “More importantly, we must appreciate the poignant manner they drew our attention to the myriads of sins of omission or commission in our system. Above all, we must show appreciation for their noble intention to build a better and more efficient country”.

He commended the efforts of the State government to manage the unfolding events.

“More importantly, we must appreciate the personal and close attention even to details by the State Governor. Above all, we must appreciate his heroic commitment to the vision of building Greater Lagos even out of the ashes of destruction,” he stated.

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