Christians and Muslims join forces to condemn abduction

Both groups are speaking out against the kidnap of 110 school girls on February 19, 2018.

They were kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram militants from their school, Government Secondary School, in Yobe State.

CAN condemns Dapchi girls’ abduction

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has weighed in on the recent abduction of 110 girls of Yobe State.

Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna state, CAN spokesperson named Rev. John Joseph Hayab, urged the Federal government to ensure the girls' safe return.

He said: “CAN is deeply concerned with this development. When we have not yet got back all the Chibok girls, and now another 110 school girls have been kidnapped. And sadly, though, the Yobe State government have apologized for its first denial, but that denial made Nigerians more confused because it shows we cannot be truthful when fellow Nigerians are affected. The government and the security agencies must sit up."

“The girls must not stay long like the previous ones before they are released. The girls must be brought back alive. The young girls are Nigerians. They need the protection of the Nigerian government. These girls can be anybody’s daughters. CAN is saying that the Nigeria security agencies must not play the propaganda game anymore. They should go after the criminals that have abducted these girls.

“The security should take serious action and stop making noise and confusing people. This particular abduction is a challenge to government to prove to Nigerians that the huge spending on security is not just a drain on our resources, because when we hear and read stories that billions of dollars is expended for security and we still have issues like this, then it tells us that there is a serious problem in the country.”

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MURIC condemns Dapchi girls’ abduction

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also spoken out through its Director, Prof Isha Akintola.

In a statement, released today, February 26, 2018, the group wrote: “Both attacks occurred a week after troops were withdrawn from the towns. Even the 2013 massacre of 29 students in a secondary school in Buni Yadi by Boko Haram a week after the withdrawal of troops arouses our curiosity.

“There is ample evidence to prove that the insurgents spy on Nigerian troops and launch attacks during periods of complacency. We should have known that it is not over until it is over."

“However, MURIC commends FG for swinging into action hours after the Dapchi attack. The fact that three key ministers were immediately dispatched to the scene shows a world of difference between this administration and its predecessor.

“We call for an urgent investigation into the withdrawal of troops from Dapchi barely a week before the attack. We charge the Nigerian military to put other soft spots in the North East under close watch. We implore Nigerians from all walks of life to pray for the safe and early return of all the missing girls.

“This attack has exposed Boko Haram terrorists as a despicable bunch of cowards who turn their guns on unarmed innocent girls and the most vulnerable members of society. True heroes take on challenging targets."

“Once again, Boko Haram terrorists have proved that they have nothing in common with Nigerian Muslims. The abduction of Dapchi school girls is a flagrant violation of Islamic rules of engagement which forbid attacks on women, children and old people during hostilities.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has also reacted to the abduction. He called the incident “a national disaster”.

Meanwhile, the missing girls’ school has been closed until further notice.