MURIC Denies Allegations of Inviting Bandits to South-West, Blames ‘Muslim Haters

MURIC Denies Allegations of Inviting Bandits to South-West, Blames ‘Muslim Hater’

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly denied allegations that it or any Yoruba Muslim group is facilitating the infiltration of bandits and Boko Haram terrorists into the South-West, describing the claims as a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by individuals it termed “Muslim haters.”

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Ishaq Akintola, accused certain Yoruba Christian elements of spreading falsehoods aimed at discrediting Yoruba Muslims and undermining the activities of Muslim advocacy groups in the region.

 

Akintola said the allegations originated from what he described as a “satanic tweet” which accused MURIC of radicalising Islamic clerics in the South-West and encouraging the entry of terrorists into the region.

 

According to him, the accusations are baseless and illogical, arguing that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and bandits do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians in their attacks.

 

“How can MURIC or any Yoruba Muslim group invite Boko Haram or bandits to Yorubaland when we all know that those criminals do not differentiate on the basis of religion? They kill more Muslims than Christians and attack both mosques and churches,” he said.

 

The MURIC leader maintained that the organisation’s longstanding opposition to terrorism is well documented, noting that the group has consistently condemned extremist violence and terrorist activities over the years.

 

He cited several instances where MURIC publicly denounced Boko Haram attacks and terrorist activities, including attacks on churches, train passengers and communities affected by banditry. He also recalled that the organisation had warned Muslim youths against joining terrorist groups and had commended security agencies for successes recorded against terrorism.

 

Akintola argued that MURIC’s philosophy, encapsulated in its motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence,” is fundamentally opposed to the methods employed by terrorist organisations.

 

He further alleged that Yoruba Muslims have faced religious discrimination for decades and claimed that advocacy efforts aimed at protecting Muslim rights are often met with hostility and accusations of extremism.

 

According to him, opponents of the organisation have repeatedly attempted to tarnish its image through various allegations, including past claims that he received funding from Boko Haram, which he said were never substantiated.

 

The Islamic rights advocate also alleged that threats had been made against his life in the past, claiming that some individuals had openly expressed a desire to see him harmed because of his activism.

 

Despite the controversy, Akintola called on all residents of the South-West, irrespective of religious affiliation, to unite against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

 

He warned against politicising or religiously profiling the fight against insecurity, stressing that the threat posed by terrorists affects all communities.

 

“MURIC invites all Yoruba citizens to unite to fight bandits. A divided house can never stand. United we stand, divided we fall. Nobody should politicise banditry. This is not about religion,” he stated.

 

The group also encouraged youths across the region to support lawful community security initiatives and vigilante organisations working alongside security agencies to combat criminal activities.

 

Drawing parallels with historical Yoruba military campaigns, Akintola urged residents to remain resolute in defending their communities against criminal elements.

 

He concluded by insisting that attempts to portray Yoruba Muslims as collaborators with terrorists would fail, reiterating MURIC’s commitment to peaceful advocacy, dialogue and the protection of citizens’ rights.

 

MURIC Denies Allegations of Inviting Bandits to South-West, Blames ‘Muslim Haters