CITIZENS COMPASS— The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Wednesday, demanded the arrest and prosecution of the suspects behind the attack of some protesting women in Kwara State.
The Kwara State chapter of MURIC made the demand in a statement signed by Taofeek Jaji Esq., Chairman, MURIC, Kwara State Chapter.
The statement reads: The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Kwara State Chapter, has observed with grave concern the troubling events that unfolded at the Kwara State Government House during a peaceful protest by women of the Oke-Odo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
These courageous women, exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association, sought the government’s urgent intervention in the scourge of kidnapping in their community.
It is therefore utterly condemnable that their peaceful assembly was violently disrupted by hired thugs. MURIC denounces in the strongest terms this barbaric assault on unarmed citizens, primarily women, and we demand the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on the innocent women.
We must, however, explicitly commend the Kwara State Government for its prompt and principled response in condemning these acts and distancing itself from the perpetrators. This decisive stance reaffirms Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to public safety, order, and official recognition of and respect for the rights of all citizens.
We urge the government to sustain this momentum by ensuring that our security agencies leave no stone unturned in bringing these criminals to justice, thereby reinforcing public confidence.
In the spirit of communal harmony and proactive peacebuilding, MURIC respectfully advises our mothers, sisters, and daughters in the affected communities to consider leveraging additional, time-honoured channels of communication.
Islamic tradition holds the dignity and protection of women in the highest esteem. It encourages wisdom and strategic action in seeking justice. This can be better handled by engaging respected community leaders, such as the king (Oba), who maintains a direct liaison with the State Government, and can be a powerful and effective alternative to ensure that grievances are heard and acted upon without exposing citizens to potential harm.
MURIC remains an unwavering partner in the pursuit of security and peace in Kwara State. We call on all well-meaning citizens to join hands with the government by remaining vigilant, cooperating with security agencies, and reporting any suspicious activities in our neighbourhoods.
We conclude with prayers to Allah (SWT), the Source of all peace, to grant enduring security to Kwara State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Aamin.
