Stop calling Boko Haram an Islamic sect – Group

An Islamic group, Rahmat Islammiya Association of Nigeria, has asked Nigerians to stop calling Boko Haram an Islamic sect, saying the terrorists’ ideals are not consistent with Islamic teachings. The group dissociated Islam from the claim that education was sin, adding that the religion regarded education as ‘halal’ (righteous). The National Chairman of the group, Dr. Awelenjo Abdullahi, made the remarks on Sunday during a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos State. Abdullahi said, “As far back as April 2012, the association in one of its editions of ‘Pano- Rahma’ newsletter pointed out that Boko Haram was wrongly used in connection with Muslims. Instead, Islam believes very much in education and hence the term Boko Halal. “The association wishes to draw attention to some groups who use subterfuge in an attempt to smear Islam. On May 18, 2014 in a church in Ikonifin, Ola Oluwa Local Government Area, Osun State, a pastor allegedly instigated certain members of his congregation to disguise as muslims and cause firecrackers to explode during a vigil.” Speaking on the abduction of the Chibok girls, Abdullahi urged the government to adopt dynamic strategies in securing their release. “Our immediate concern is to bring back our girls safely. It is our opinion that all options available should be exploited. If you want to catch a monkey, you may have to behave like one. Our security personnel should be tactical to rescue the children alive,” he said. The association equally enjoined the government to shun corruption and nepotism in national affairs. The General Secretary of the association, Alhaji Sanni Mashood, urged Nigerians to stop labelling Boko Haram as an Islamic sect, saying that such nominal was a disservice to Islam.