The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has strongly condemned what it described as a renewed wave of killings, violence, kidnappings, and growing insecurity across the country, especially in Northern Nigeria. The council warned that the situation shows a serious breakdown in national security and called for accountability from leaders who have failed to protect citizens.
In a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Secretary General, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council expressed deep sorrow and anger over recent attacks in different parts of the country. It paid special attention to the killing of more than 200 people in Woro village, located in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to the SCSN, the attack on Woro village was a “horrific act of carnage” carried out by terrorists. The council said women and children were among those killed, homes were burnt, and entire families were wiped out during the assault.
“The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria hereby expresses its deepest anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the renewed wave of senseless killings, mass violence, kidnappings, and widespread insecurity afflicting many parts of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The council noted that the Woro attack was not an isolated incident. It said similar cases of violence have recently been reported in Kwara, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, and other states across the country. According to the SCSN, these repeated attacks show a frightening decline in security and a growing disregard for human life.
The group warned that Nigerians are increasingly being forced to live in fear in their own homes and communities, which it described as unacceptable in any civilised society.
“Nigerians should not be forced to live in perpetual fear within their own homes and communities,” the council said.
The SCSN stressed that Islam places great value on human life and strongly condemns the killing of innocent people. Quoting from the Qur’an, chapter 5 verse 32, the council stated that whoever kills an innocent soul is considered as having killed all of humanity.
“The killing of innocent persons is one of the gravest crimes in Islam,” the statement said. “Such acts are an affront to the conscience of humanity.”
The council made it clear that the victims of the violence include both Muslims and Christians. It condemned attacks on innocent citizens regardless of their religion, ethnic background, or location. According to the SCSN, crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence have no justification under Islam or any moral system.
The council expressed concern that despite repeated promises by government officials and security agencies, the level of violence continues to rise. It described this situation as a failure of governance and the country’s security structure.
Recalling its past engagements with government authorities, the SCSN said there is a widening gap between the duties assigned to leaders under the Constitution and their actual performance. The council said this failure has brought serious suffering to ordinary Nigerians.
While acknowledging the sacrifices made by security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and other operatives, the council urged political leaders and public office holders to take their responsibilities more seriously.
It criticized what it described as lifestyles of excess and waste among some leaders, saying such behaviour shows a lack of concern for the suffering of the people.
“Leadership is a trust, not a privilege for indulgence,” the council said.
The SCSN warned that where leaders fail to protect the lives of citizens, accountability must follow. It said both Islamic principles and democratic values demand action in such cases.
“Where officials fail to protect citizens, both Islamic ethics and democratic norms demand accountability, including appropriate sanctions, removal from office, or honourable resignation,” the statement said.
This call comes at a time when public frustration over insecurity is growing across the country. In many communities, residents have complained of frequent attacks by armed groups, slow response by security agencies, and lack of justice for victims.
Northern Nigeria, in particular, has faced years of violence linked to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. States such as Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna have recorded repeated attacks on villages, highways, and schools. Thousands of people have been killed, while many others have been displaced from their homes.
Kwara State, which was once considered relatively peaceful, has in recent years witnessed rising security challenges, especially in border communities. The attack on Woro village has further raised concerns about the spread of violence into new areas.
The SCSN also used the statement to restate its rejection of radicalism and violent extremism. It described such ideologies as a betrayal of Islam and a distortion of its true teachings.
“There is absolutely no justification in Islam for terrorism, mass murder, kidnapping, or the targeting of innocent persons under any pretext,” the council said.
The council extended condolences to families and communities affected by the Woro attack and other violent incidents across the country. It prayed for comfort for those who lost loved ones and healing for those injured during the attacks.
The SCSN also welcomed the recent release of kidnapped victims from Kurmin Wali, describing it as a positive development. However, it urged authorities to do more to secure the release of those still in captivity and to dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and attacks.
The statement ended with a strong call to action. The council urged all levels of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens to work together to stop what it described as Nigeria’s dangerous slide into chaos.
“Protecting human life is not optional; it is a sacred obligation,” the SCSN said.
As Nigerians mourn the victims of recent attacks, pressure is mounting on authorities to move beyond words and take concrete steps to restore safety, rebuild trust and ensure that every citizen can live without fear.
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