Christians aren’t the only ones kidnapped in Kaduna —Muslim Council

The Kaduna State Council of Imams and Ulama, on Saturday, described as false, claims that only Christians are kidnapped in the state.

The council debunked the claims on Saturday at a press briefing in Kaduna, warning that security matters must not be politicised.

The council further argued that politicising security matters would only set the stage for an ethno-religious crisis in the state.

The secretary of the council, Yusuf Arigasiyu, who addressed the press briefing, insisted that many Muslims had over the years been kidnapped as well. He added that it was divisive and false to claim that kidnappers only abducted Christians in Kaduna State.

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Arigasiyu, who noted that kidnapping was a national security challenge, submitted that the criminals as well as their victims cut across ethno-religious divides.

He said: “Along Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road alone, between 22nd June and 30th July 2019, over 55 persons have been kidnapped and over 20 persons were killed, including five Nigerian Air Force and Army personnel, according to news reports.

“Majority of the citizens killed and kidnapped along Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Abuja-Kaduna roads and the border towns with Niger, Katsina and Zamfara States have been Muslims.

“We never viewed the unfortunate situation from a religious angle. In fact, we have always condemned the act of criminality and have called on the State and Federal Governments to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, irrespective of where they are or how they worship.”

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