The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has raised fresh concerns over alleged threats targeting Igbo Muslims in the South-East, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent violence.
- In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Agbabiaka, and its Enugu State Coordinator, Ustaz Isa Christian Okonkwo, the MMWG called on the Enugu State Police Command and other security agencies in the region to identify and arrest individuals allegedly intimidating and harassing Igbo Muslims.
The group recalled that similar concerns were raised last week following the circulation of audio clips attributed to a man identified as Maazi Kanayo, which allegedly called for attacks on Igbo Muslims. According to the MMWG, new electronic messages containing threats are now being circulated by a group said to identify itself as “Ohaukwu Reporters.”
The organisation stressed that Islam is not new in Igboland, noting that the religion has existed in the region for nearly 200 years. It cited the Islamic Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State—established over seven decades ago by the late Alhaji Ibrahim Nwagui—as evidence of the longstanding presence and contributions of Muslims in the area.
MMWG expressed particular concern over alleged threats against an Islamic scholar and Imam in Nsukka area of Enugu State, warning that silence by authorities could embolden extremists. “Are security agencies waiting for violence to erupt before acting?” the group queried.
The group urged security agencies to adopt a proactive approach and called on the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene urgently, citing constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship and association.
