The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has debunked news circulating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with only Christian victims during his condolence visit to Plateau state.
The group described the news as misleading.
According to JNI, four Muslim families who lost their members were invited along with the families of the Christian victims during the president’s condolence visit.
The state chapter of the group had on Tuesday disclosed that they lost four members, saying ten other members are still missing.
However, in a statement on Friday signed by the group’s secretary, Dr Salim Umar Musa, the group confirmed that contrary to the allegations, Muslim victims were equally invited to meet with the president.
President Tinubu on Thursday held a town hall meeting with stakeholders from the state and condoled with them and families of those who lost their loved ones in attack on Anguwan Rukuba community of Jos North LGA where 28 persons were killed.
Following his visit, some people claimed the president invited only Christian victims to condole with them.
But the JNI denied the allegation, calling on members of public to discard it.
The secretary said, “Jama’atu Nasril Islam JNI Plateau State chapter wishes to clarify some misleading information circulating on social media platforms. We wish to state clearly as follows:
“Four representatives of the family members of the deceased were present yesterday at the airport to receive the condolences from Mr. President. This is to debunk the erroneous assertion circulating that only our Christian brothers were invited. This is false and misleading,” he explained.
The group further stated that bodies of the victims were buried on Wednesday at Babale burial ground.
“All the four persons who lost their lives were buried yesterday morning at our Babale burial ground in the presence of their family members, including Abubakar Mustapha (19 ), Ibrahim Haruna (29 ), Unknown person, approximately 30 years and Bala Uba (23).
“This has put to rest the dangerous narrative circulating that they were abandoned at JUTH mortuary,” the statement said.
JNI said the group was fully represented at the condolence visit by Mr. President, noting that, “The Emir of Wase and Chairman JNI Plateau State chapter led the delegation of 15 men and 5 women from all JNI affiliated religious organisations.”
The group further stated that despite threats by unscrupulous individuals on social media, Juma’at prayers were conducted peacefully across the 17 LGA.
“We are grateful to Allah SWT for conducting a peaceful Friday prayers in Jos and environs.
“This is a clear demonstration that peace is gradually returning to the city. You may recall the special request from JNI to all Imams in the 17 LGAs to observe special prayers for peace. This has been conducted successfully across the state.
“We are appealing to all the muslim ummah to remain calm and cooperate with the government and security agencies in these trying times.
“We should avoid sensational narratives especially on social media space where it is rampant.
“All unverified information should not be posted in order not to fan embers of hatred. We should strive at all times to preach peace, live peacefully in our communities at all times,” the statement added.