The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla has appealed to the youths to shun all acts of violence and give peace a chance.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla condemned the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll gate.
He implored security operatives to refrain from the use of brute force to disperse protesters.
The Chief Imam called on all Muslim faithful and citizens to pray for peace and tranquillity in the country.
In the same vein, The Companion, as association of Muslim Men in Business and the Professions, has called on the leaders of both Islam and Christianity to work together and provide the much needed intervention in the #EndSARS protest.
The #EndSARS protest, the group said, has snowballed into a crisis and threatens public safety and security and national cohesiveness.
Its National Amir (President), Alhaj Thabit Wale Sonaike, expressed concern that what started as a peaceful protest against alleged brutality by a unit of the Nigeria Police, Special Anti-Robby Squad (SARS), has been infiltrated and hijacked by elements whose motive was clearly at variance with the original intention of the protest and the nation’s interest.
“Whilst we identify with the agitation of our youth and commend the initial peaceful approach, the widespread violence in the last few days that has resulted in loss of innocent lives, wanton destruction of properties and looting are clear evidence of descent into anarchy. This is a confirmation that #EndSARS has been turned into a veritable platform for voicing of pent-up anger beyond police brutality, criminal exploitation by unscrupulous people and worse still a dangerous energisation of the country’s fault lines. These ugly developments must be promptly nipped in the bud,” he said.
The Companion’s female wing, The Criterion, also condemned the shooting of the peaceful protesters in Lekki.
Its Amirah (Female President), Hajia Fatymah Oyefeso, called for thorough investigation and urged the Federal Government to identify the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Hajia Oyefeso said: “This will in no small measure douse the tension of the protesters and the family of the victims. The Federal government should also constitute Judicial Probe Panel to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to book and see that justice is served appropriately.”
She lamented that what began as a peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The Criterion, she said, was concerned because women and children are always at the receiving end during civil unrest.
“We sympathise with the victims of the protest and those who may have suffered any loss and hardship during the avoidable violence that followed. We urge the youth to remain calm and return home. We pray that Allah restores peace and harmony in the land,” Hajia Oyefeso said.
The Nation.
