In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expressed outrage over the attack, during which a teacher was killed while several students and teachers were abducted.

The Council said the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and called for an uncompromising national response to protect schools and vulnerable communities.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that NSCIA describes the continued targeting of educational institutions as “a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future” and must be brought to an immediate end.

The Council noted with concern that the latest attack occurred only weeks after the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area on May 15, as well as the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day. It observed that many of the victims remain in captivity.

The Islamic body further expressed concern that the attackers reportedly took advantage of Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching the assault, saying the development demonstrates the evolving tactics of terrorist groups and the need for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency collaboration and community-based early warning systems.

The NSCIA also urged governments at all levels to adopt technology-driven security measures, citing the Enugu State Government’s recently introduced AI-powered security architecture, which features a Command and Control Centre, surveillance drones and AI-enabled patrol vehicles capable of identifying threats and tracking criminals in real time.

While commending the Armed Forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for their swift deployment of ground and air assets that led to the rescue of some abducted students and teachers, the Council insisted that security operations should continue until all those still in captivity are safely rescued and reunited with their families.

The Council also paid tribute to the soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who lost their lives during the rescue mission, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage and patriotism in the fight against terrorism.

Reaffirming Islam’s position on violence, the NSCIA declared that terrorism has no place in the religion, stressing that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are enemies of both Islam and humanity.

It stated that the activities of the terrorist groups violate the Islamic principles of justice, mercy, the sanctity of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, adding that those who kill innocent people, abduct children and destroy schools cannot claim to represent Islam or any recognised faith.

The Council extended its condolences to the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, families of the victims and all those affected by the attack.

It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain efforts to defeat terrorism, rescue all abductees and ensure that those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens are apprehended and brought to justice.

The post Sultan Condemns School Attacks, Says ISWAP, Boko Haram Are Enemies of Islam appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

This delay has caused a degree of confusion and anxiety, particularly as reports confirm the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.

Traditionally, the Sultan, as the head of Nigerian Muslims, holds the authority to announce the official sighting of the moon within the country, signifying the end of the holy month and the beginning of Shawwal. This announcement dictates when Eid prayers and celebrations will commence.

The development of the moon being sighted in Saudi Arabia has added a unique layer of complexity to the situation. While many Muslims acknowledge the importance of the Sultan’s declaration within the Nigerian context, the Saudi announcement has fueled expectations and raised questions about the potential for a coinciding celebration.

As the wait continues, Nigerian Muslims are urged to remain patient and prayerful, anticipating the Sultan’s declaration and hoping for a joyous and united Eid celebration.

The post Eid Uncertainty Grips Nigerian Muslims as Sultan Delays Announcement appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) who spoke on behalf of the Muslim Community at a press conference in Abuja said the recent development in Sokoto is a grave concern and utmost importance.

He said that the alleged plot by the Government of Sokoto State to depose, undermine the influence and authority of the revered Sultan by tampering with the laws regulating the administration of the Sultanate, will not be in the best interest of Sokoto State, its government and the Muslims at large.
In his words: “Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, being the spiritual head of more than 150 million Muslims in Nigeria, Niger, Mali and other places, is a symbol of unity, wisdom, and leadership, and he has been a beacon of hope and guidance for our people. His deposition would not only be a travesty of justice but also a threat to the very fabric of our society.

Balogun recalled that despite the intervention of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Government of Sokoto, Governor Aliyu denied, yet continued the process of a Bill for the Amendment of Sultanate Council Law in the State House of Assembly.

He highlighted that the presence of the Sultan in Sokoto made Sokoto the Makkah of Nigerian Muslim leaders from all the geo-political zones.

“Very important personalities in the country visit Sokoto to pay homage to this great Muslim leader and the government of Sokoto state. Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, has made the Sultanate a celebrated seat, a pride and reference to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and beyond. He has successfully amalgamated the Northern and Southern Muslim dichotomy that today Muslims from all over the country can proudly say, we have a leader,” he noted.

The Muslim Community advised the Governor to build on the legacies of past administrations in empowering the Sultan and make him a true Sarki of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
The group, however called on President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene by ensuring that the 200 years old Sultanate is protected from the control of politics, power and government.

The post 33 Muslim Groups Appeal to Sokoto Gov. Not to Demean Sultan appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar by stated this in a special announcement on Wednesday night.

The post Just-In: Sultan Declares Thursday As First Day Of Ramadan In Nigeria appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar made the declaration after no positive sighting claims were received from members of the National moonsighting committee and other Emirates.

“The Sultanate Council Sokoto, has declared Monday 2/5/2022 as the first day of Shuwal 1443 AH,” the Secretary of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), Mallam Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, said in a statement on Saturday night.

Muslims in the country would now celebrate the eid-el-fitri on Monday being the first day of Shawwal.

The post Breaking: Sultan Declares Monday As Eid-El-Fitr appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The body disclosed this on its twitter page on Monday evening.

“Ramadan crescent sighted in some locations in Nigeria.His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto will make an official announcement shortly, we live-stream it inshaAllah.”

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