Posted on 07/04/2004 8:11:29 PM PDT by xzins
Tension in Benue over alleged plan to attack Christians
From Simeon Nwakandu, (Makurdi)
AGAIN, tension is mounting in Benue State following the circulation of a letter purportedly written by an organisation known as Islamic Revolutionary Committee, warning Christians in the state that they would soon be taught a very bitter lesson.
The letter titled: "Last warning to Kafirs", was allegedly signed by one Mallam Ibrahim Barde and slipped into almost all churches in the state when members were not around.
The letter reads in part: "We are very proud and stand very tall that Moslems in this country have maintained their dignity as we have taught the Kafirs a lesson in Kano. We are now warning Kafirs in Kaduna and everywhere that we will never tolerate any insult and challenge like the one at Yelwa."
It continued: "For one Moslem you kill, we shall kill 20 of you. We want to warn that we must take our own action of revenge and deal decisively with the infidels here when they don't expect it."
The faceless Islamic Revolutionary Committee praised the courage of selected northern leaders for allegedly supporting their cause, noting that under whatever circumstances, a northern Moslem would emerge as President by 2007.
The group added: "We must take back our Presidency in 2007. Anybody who wishes to challenge us after that will taste the bitter pill of his life. We are appealing to all faithful to get ready for the great showdown."
However, in a swift reaction to the letter, the Chief Imam of Makurdi Central Mosque, Alhaji Lawal Imam appealed to Benue people to totally disregard the publication, saying that it did not emanate from true Moslems.
He added that the letter must have been written by miscreants interested in upsetting the peaceful atmosphere of the state.
Another Islamic leader from Gboko, Alhaji Sule Aliyu, noted that the leaflets were aimed at causing disaffection between Christians and Moslems.
He urged the people not to succumb to the cheap tactics of the originators of the letter.
The Benue State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Solomon Adi, who reported the matter to the state government advised Christians to adhere strictly to the teachings of Jesus Christ which entails peaceful co-existence.
In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. John Orokpo directed security agencies to deal decisively with anyone trying to foment trouble in the state on religious grounds.
He appealed to indigenes of the state to disregard the letter, saying that it was written by mischievous persons.
To ensure that peace reigns in the state, the Deputy Governor Ogiri Ajene held a series of meetings with Christian and Moslem leaders at the weekend.
Sounds theologically weak to me. He's gonna get his people massacred with biblical theology like that.
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