Take MEND threat seriously –MPAC tells FG

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the threat made by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that it would launch a new terror campaign “in defence of Christianity” against Muslim interests.

Executive chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, said in a statement yesterday that MEND has the reputation and means to carry out the threatened terrorist attacks and urged the federal government to take the threat seriously, to publicly condemn it and make tangible efforts to protect Muslims and their places of worship across the country.

He said Jomo Gbomo’s threat in an e-mail last Sunday that the terror group will commence “the bombings of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and” that “assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate will form the core mission of this crusade” is regrettable.

“Not only does MEND’s statements fail to represent the sentiments of most Christians around the country, they are reprehensible in their attempt to deny history of the most tragic occurrences which have claimed more Muslim lives, mischaracterized the name and message of Islam, and threatened the very existence of the whole country. MEND’s statements are not only reprehensible, they are also baseless. The MPAC therefore calls on the Christian leaders to unequivocally reject the threat of a new crusade against the Muslims,” Kamor said.

He said no one should justify MEND’s hate-filled rhetoric and threat as a way of scoring cheap, yet dangerous points in the mistaken belief that they will be retaliating against the misguided actions of the Boko Haram.

“Nigerian Muslim leaders and the entire Nigerian Muslim community have resoundingly rejected Boko Haram and what they stand for, a courageous stance that, tragically, has claimed the lives of many outspoken Muslim critics (religious, political and community leaders) of the hate cultists. Their message of hate and widespread destruction, similar to those of MEND, only exploit the vacuum of God fearing, courageous and responsive Nigerian political leadership and attempt to capitalize on genuine issues or grievances that the country faces.”

Source: Daily trust