Amosun condemns Plateau killings, urges peaceful coexistence
A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has condemned the resurgence of killings in parts of Plateau State, urging Nigerians—regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religious belief—to prioritise peaceful coexistence.
Amosun also decried the heinous acts perpetrated by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Lakurawa in northern Nigeria, as well as ISIS in Syria and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, describing their activities as a significant challenge to the true representation of Islam.
He made these remarks on Saturday during a merit award ceremony at the 11th Triennial National Conference and 101st Anniversary of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, held in Abeokuta.
The former governor, said this year’s conference theme, “Islam and Muslims: Roles and Relevance in a Pluralistic World”, is highly relevant in today’s global climate.
He stressed the need for Muslims to take the lead in promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
“Islam, through its continuous faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, emphasises the importance of mutual understanding, tolerance, and compassion in interactions with fellow Muslims and people of other faiths,” Amosun said.
“Today, however, hatred and affliction prevail among humanity. Religion, which was supposed to foster peaceful coexistence, has now become a source of hatred and animosity,” he added.
Amosun emphasised that pluralism should be seen as a benefit to all, aimed at achieving unity and not division. “Pluralism in religion is not for the purpose of one religion displacing another,” he stated.
He expressed regret that despite the significant roles Muslims play in promoting justice, equity, and community development, “the activities of some presumed Islamic fundamentalist groups have put Islam and Muslims on trial—from ISIS in Syria to Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Boko Haram, and most recently, Lakurawa in Nigeria.”
He also condemned the recent killings in Plateau State and other violent conflicts fueled by ethnic or land disputes.
“The various killings and maimings in the name of the land border crisis and the recent killings in Plateau State were needless,” he said.
“If we respect the sanctity of humanity, no tribe should be seen as superior to another, and no ethnic group should be regarded as inferior in any ramification. We should use our diversity in tribe and ethnicity to appreciate our identity as individuals, not to oppress one another,” Amosun said.
He called on Muslims to intensify efforts to correct the negative image that a few extremists have projected. “Islam is a religion premised on peace, harmony, and equity. We must project these attributes through our deeds and continue to work as Muslims to remain relevant and respected among non-Muslims.”
Amosun congratulated recipients of the society’s merit awards and encouraged them to remain steadfast in promoting mutual understanding and unity for national progress.
Also speaking, the National Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad, charged Muslims globally to remain committed to building a just society, reminding them that every individual will be accountable for their actions in the hereafter.
Speaking to journalists, Sheikh Ahmad said, “You know that society consists of individuals. When individuals are good, society will also be good. When they are conscious of their duties, society at large will be sound, healthy, and progressive.
“So the message of Islam to all humanity is for everyone to be transparent and accountable, knowing fully well that in the hereafter everyone will account for their deeds.
