Sheikh Muhammad Bello Yabo, a prominent Islamic scholar in Sokoto, expressed concern over the recent bombing of villagers during the Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State.
He stated that the northern region is suffering due to frequent bombings, contrasting the situation with the southern and Eastern regions where no such incidents have occurred.
Sheikh Yabo highlighted previous instances where security agencies mistakenly targeted innocent people, citing examples in Borno, Yobe, and Nasarawa.
The scholar’s comments came in response to a video clip circulating on social media showing the military bombing Maulud celebrants, emphasizing the need for accountability in such incidents.
In this statement, Sheikh Yabo expresses concern about the situation in northern parts of the country, particularly the prevalence of violence, banditry, and hunger.
He asserts that military errors in bombing predominantly occur in the north, attributing this to a lack of unity in the region. Sheikh Yabo claims that northern leaders’ disunity, driven by individual interests, contributes to the ongoing crisis.
He highlights the challenges faced by the northern population, including attacks by bandits, hunger, and alleged harm from the military, which is supposed to protect them. Sheikh Yabo emphasizes the need for unity among Northerners and appeals to Allah for mercy and protection.
The statement also addresses the detention of Kaduna-based publisher Tukur Mamu by the Nigerian government. Sheikh Yabo deems Mamu’s detention as unjust, stating that Mamu’s only offense was acting as an intermediary between terrorists and families of abducted Kaduna-Abuja train passengers.
The scholar contrasts Mamu’s situation with that of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, asserting that Igboho, despite serious allegations, was released due to intervention by his Yoruba kinsmen.
Sheikh Yabo urges Northern unity, discourages envy among Northerners, and calls on the military to reduce the loss of innocent lives in the region.
