Direct Kano to rearrest blasphemy suspects, CAN tells Buhari

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and Abuja has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ask the Kano state government to rescind the decision to free the suspects arrested over the death of Bridget Agbahime, a trader.

In June, some rampaging youth murdered Agbahime, 74, in Kofar Wambai Market in Kano, over allegations of blasphemy

Five suspects, Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Abdullahi Abubakar, Zubairu Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi were arrested and charged to a court in Kano, but the attorney-general of Kano ordered their release.

In a statement on Tuesday, Danladi Yerima, secretary-general of the association in the region, said the news of the release of the suspects was received with “utter shock and dismay”.

“We view this action of government as callous, reckless, a miscarriage of justice and an invitation to violence,” the statement read.

“We are disturbed that this action will further serve as an evil lubricant to the perpetual and unrepentant murderers of the wild north.”

Lamenting the spate of attacks in the north, the association said Christians are often “targeted” under the guise of blasphemy.

“It has been established time without number that Islamic extremists in the North and particularly in Kano state have deep rooted hatred for Christians,” CAN said.

“Hence at the slightest disagreement or perceived provocation, Christians are always targeted for slaughtering like animals under the watch of its government.

“The case of Late Mr. Gideon Akaluka who was killed in like manner by the same Islamic extremists readily comes to mind. His murder was celebrated by his murderers who took pleasure in dancing with his head on a stick round the streets of Kano unchallenged even by security operatives.

“It appears, some people have arrogated to themselves the prerogative of deciding who lives and who should not.

“Blasphemy has therefore become the easiest way of blackmail, intimidation and a vehicle for killing and silencing perceived enemies (Christians) of the Islamic faith in the northern part of the country.”

CAN said it will no longer tolerate “acts of terror” against Christians.

“This is a sad omen and an affront to our corporate existence as a nation. We have sufficient laws in our criminal justice system to address any criminal offence including blasphemy,” it said.

“But why resorting to jungle justice as if Nigeria is a country without laws and order or government.

“We wish to place every one on notice, including the Kano state government that, CAN will no longer tolerate these barbaric and wicked acts of terror against its members and the Church because no Christian life is less important to that of its Muslim counterpart.

“Those who take pleasure in shedding innocent blood and their sponsors should know that the days of silence of the Church are over. It does seem that some Northern states and Kano in particular, enjoy being abattoirs of human beings.”