The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has warned that Boko Haram and Ansaru terrorist cells are present in the South West.
The muslim lobby group believes that the vicious attack on the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which killed over a hundred people, was carried out by Boko Haram and has warned that additional churches and mosques may be targeted in the future.
MURIC strongly denounced the terrorist attack and urged the government to act decisively and apprehend the perpetrators.
MURIC’s statement was signed by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
It said, “We strongly condemn this act of unprovoked aggression. It is inhuman, heinous, horrific and horrendous.
“We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers.”
The Muslim rights advocacy group called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usban Alkali Baba and the Ondo Police Command to find the killers without delay, insisting that the killers must have a hideout.
The group further appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to, without further delay, order the Nigerian Army to join in the search for these murderers
“This latest attack is indubitable evidence of the existence of Boko Haram in the South West after their penetration into Niger and Kogi States,” the group said.
“Going by Boko Haram modus operandi, we warn that mosques and more churches may be the next targets because this was how they started in the North. We, therefore, ask for protection for all churches and mosques in the region,” it said.
MURIC sympathised with families who have lost their loved ones in the attack and also prayed for the wounded who are receiving treatment in hospitals.
The rights group said it was standing in solidarity with the State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu “in this hour of deep sadness”.