The National headquarters of the Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) yesterday said that it was still compiling list of casualties of the attack on its members who went to Rukuba Road Eid ground to observe the Eid –el- Fitr prayer following the completion of the 30 day fasting.
Dozens of people, including children were reported to have been attacked and killed at the ground after some youths in the area allegedly surrounded the place and attacked the worshipers.
Several cars and motorcycles were also burnt by the rampaging youths in the area.
The National Chairman of the JIBWIS Ash Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahya Jingir , in a chat with newsmen sympathised with the families of those affected , condemned the attack and said that the organisation would make public the number of victims affected by the attack.
According to the National Chairman, about 200 cars were burnt “but I cannot tell you how many motorcycles were affected” and said that at the appropriate time the organisation would seek for compensation of the destruction of lives and properties that has been going on in Plateau State.
He stressed that it was unbecoming of the government to sit and watch as some people perpetrate such act in a country where every individual has right to justice and added that the people who are responsible for the attack had given prior notice of their intent.
“We have been praying for the past 30 years and nothing happened to us, but yesterday some people surrounded us and ask us not to pray on a place that belong to us, this is an indication that there is the need for the federal government to intervene and do something if indeed we have a united country”.
Reacting to reports that he and his deputy were injured in the attack, the cleric said,
“I am sure the rumour came from those who organised the attack, you journalist can serve as witnesses, the incident happened yesterday and you are doing this interview with me now, from what you are seeing and from my voice you can testify that nothing happened”.
“But it was Allah that protected me, because I cannot tell you how many bullets and stones went over my head during the attack and at the same time nothing happened to my deputy as speculated as you can see him sitting by my side, none of us had a scratch, it was Allah that protected us”, Sheikh Jingir said.
He commended security agents especially STF who helped during the attack and added that he was completely against the withdrawal of soldiers in the state.
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