Following reports that leader of Islamist sect Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has been killed, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Monday said: “I have not heard the story yet but if it is true, as a Christian, we should not rejoice over the death of any one.
“Nevertheless I must commend the security forces, which had taken this war against terrorism in this country to a new and commendable height by the accomplishment they had achieved in the last couple of months.”
According to him, the Christian community in Nigeria would have preferred that Shekau was caught alive and arraigned before a court, where Nigerians would have the opportunity of hearing his explanation for the mindless killings of innocent Nigerians.
“That is why I say that it is heavy on me to react to the death of this fellow. I would really have been glad if he was caught alive so that he can answer so many questions bothering people’s minds.
“Once again, I commend the members of the security forces, who had ensured that the turbulence in the North-East is gradually simmering down and people can now go about their daily chores almost unhindered.”
Also speaking on the killing, Professor Is-haq Akintola, the Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, said: “The killing of Shekau may have little or nothing to guarantee the security of the people, except justice and equity.
“If you look at the issue of the leader of Al-qaeda, Osama Bin laden, he was hunted for so many years before he was killed. However, that did nothing to the group. Did Al-qaeda die? Not at all.
“Until we are able to uphold justice, killing a single leader means a little. They have several deputies. So, you don’t stop violence by just killing a leader.”
Akintola, a lecturer at the Lagos State University, LASU, further said: “The issue is the movement. You cannot kill a single person without resolving the issue concerning their movement.
“We do not know who their followers are. So, we cannot go around and start arresting people but find a way of bringing them around and dialogue to finally resolve issues.
“I will tell you that we repeat our condemnation of all forms of violence. However we of the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, takes the Federal Government’s statement on taking Boko Haram case to ICC with a pinch of salt.
“It, in the same statement, contradicted itself by adding that the amnesty committee set up by it was on course. The government appears to be enjoying a prolonged game of paradox,” Akintola said.
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