Nigerians have been urged to value human lives highly, as God does, and to ensure that those involved in kidnapping, violence, and bloodshed face appropriate punishment to serve as a warning to others.
Convener of Our Friend Health Foundation, Dr Mohammed-Isa Abdul-Mujeeb, made this known at this year’s Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Information Chapel, in Alausa Ikeja.
He called on parents to raise their children and educate other children to prevent politicians from using them as thugs during elections, emphasising that if no one is available for exploitation, there will be no targets for violence.
Addressing the topic, “Consequences of Violence, Kidnapping, Bloodshed and their impacts on Nigeria’s future, Islamic Perspective,” Dr Abdul-Mujeeb advised against paying ransom for kidnapped persons, explaining that such payments drain resources and make kidnapping more profitable.
He appealed to religious leaders to preach about the effects of good and bad deeds and urged the government to reinforce laws by creating policies and programs that promote justice and impose harsher penalties on wrongdoers.
He condemned acts like kidnapping and violence as affronts to human dignity, noting that while perpetrators may enjoy their acts, they cause chaos in God’s sight and on earth.
He warned that without punishment from the justice system, such misconduct will persist.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Ahmad Abdullahi-Jebe, stated that justice surpasses all, and seeking Allah’s favour requires fairness.
He stressed that protecting lives, property, and security is a collective responsibility and commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to strengthen national security through policies discouraging evil acts.
He urged everyone to act fairly and justly, reminding them that all actions will be judged in the hereafter, and thus fairness and transparency are vital.
Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, praised President Tinubu’s security initiatives and commended the Lagos Information Chapel for hosting the annual Ramadan Lecture for over twenty years.
He encouraged other chapels to follow Lagos Information Chapel’s example in organising events like Ramadan Lectures and Christmas Carol services, noting that coinciding fasting and Lent reflect a shared purpose.
In his welcoming speech, Chairman of NUJ Lagos Information Chapel, Mr Debo Adeniji, explained that the Ramadan Lecture is part of the union’s efforts to inform members during the holy month, emphasising the importance of listening to God’s words for spiritual rewards.
He highlighted that the chosen topic aims to address security issues facing Nigeria and to explore solutions for violence, kidnapping, and bloodshed from an Islamic perspective.
Reporting By Taoreed Abdullahi