An Islamic organisation, The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC has on Thursday called for the protection of lives and properties as Christians celebrate the Yuletide.
MURIC made this call off the heels of an alarm raised by the State Security Service of a plot by terrorists to bomb worship centres and public places.
Reacting to the alarm through a statement released by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC felicitated with Christians, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
It then urged security agencies to be vigilant and search bags, vehicles and packages during the season.
Akintola also urged Nigerians to pray for the safe return of Leah Sharibu, the Christian girl who Boko Haram have failed to release because she refused to renounce her faith.
MURIC statement reads: “We felicitate with our Christian neighbours as they mark 2020 Christmas. We share with them the aura of festivity and wish them a merry Christmas. In particular, our greetings go to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and all Christians in the country.
“By the same token, we charge Nigerians to be security-conscious and to report any suspicious person to the security agencies. People inside or around churches and mosques should be on the lookout for strange faces as well as abandoned vehicles, bags and packages. Such items should not be touched but reports should be lodged with the authorities with immediate effect.
“We call on Nigerians to spend the period in sober reflection and to pray for the safe return of Leah Sharibu in particular, the Chibok girls and all other captives in general.”
