The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected allegations claiming it or Yoruba Muslim groups are involved in inviting Boko Haram or bandits into South-West Nigeria, describing the claims as false and part of a coordinated hate campaign.
The group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said in a rejoinder on Sunday that the accusations were being promoted by individuals he described as “Muslim haters” targeting Yoruba Muslims and Islamic organisations.
According to MURIC, the claims are intended to stigmatise and criminalise Muslim groups in the South-West, particularly the organisation itself, which it insists has consistently opposed terrorism and violence.
Akintola maintained that the organisation has no links with extremist groups such as Boko Haram, stressing that terrorists do not discriminate in their attacks and have targeted both Muslims and Christians.
He added that MURIC has always promoted peaceful engagement through dialogue, noting that its long-standing motto is “Dialogue, Not Violence.” The group also said many of its leaders are academics and professionals, not individuals involved in violence.
MURIC further cited past statements in which it publicly condemned terrorist activities, including attacks by Boko Haram, and reaffirmed its opposition to kidnapping, insurgency, and other forms of violence.
The organisation urged unity among Yoruba people, both Muslims and Christians, in tackling insecurity in the region, warning against what it described as attempts to divide communities along religious lines.
It also called for stronger collaboration with security agencies and local security initiatives, including groups such as the Amotekun Corps and other community-based vigilante structures.
MURIC concluded by insisting that insecurity should not be politicised or tied to religion, adding that all residents of the South-West must work together to address the growing threat of banditry and terrorism.
