30th June, 2014
President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said Boko Haram’s attacks on churches in villages near Chibok, Borno, on Sunday were attempts to instigate religious violence in the country, adding that, no true Muslim will kill innocent people.
A statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, in Abuja, said Jonathan received reports of the attacks with dismay and consternation.
“I urge all lovers of peace and unity to wholly condemn the resurgence of efforts by agents of global terrorism to disunite and destabilise Nigeria by callously instigating violence among religious groups.
“The President shares the view of the most learned Islamic leaders and scholars that no true Muslim will resort to the mindless killing of innocent people,” it said.
According to the statement, no true Muslims at any time, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, will redress any perceived grievance.
It expressed the President’s belief that the attacks and other similar atrocities by Boko Haram showed that its leaders and members were misguided persons who used religion to commit crimes.
“Jonathan urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to resist the new attempt by Boko Haram to undermine their support for the armed forces.
“He reaffirmed the resolve of Federal Government and security agencies to intensify ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorists.
“The president assures all Nigerians that the Federal Government and security agencies will continue to intensify efforts to end Boko Haram’s senseless attacks.
“He commiserates with the families and churches that lost loved ones, members and places of worship during Sunday’s attacks,” the statement said.