Jelili Gbadamosi
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned mosque authorities and Islamic organisations across Nigeria against complacency, urging them to heighten vigilance and quickly report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
The call followed recent security alerts by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force over alleged plans by terrorists to carry out attacks in parts of the country.
MURIC Executive Director, Professor Isiaq Akintola, made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday, urging Muslims to take reasonable precautions without allowing the alerts to create unnecessary fear.
Akintola said worshippers and mosque authorities should pay closer attention to unfamiliar faces, unusual movements and unattended items, particularly during large religious gatherings.
He specifically advised mosque administrators to monitor unknown persons entering their premises and prevent individuals carrying suspicious baggage, especially backpacks, from gaining access without proper checks.
“Islamic organizations and individuals must be wary of strange faces at their gatherings. People carrying bags and baggage, especially back-packs, must not be allowed into mosque premises,” he said.
The group also advised mosque authorities to discourage people from sleeping overnight within mosque premises as part of measures to reduce potential security risks.
MURIC stressed that familiarity should not be regarded as sufficient proof of safety, noting that individuals who regularly attend prayers should also be subjected to appropriate vigilance where circumstances warrant.
Akintola urged Islamic organisations to establish closer cooperation with security agencies and provide relevant information that could help authorities identify and prevent potential threats.
He said early reporting of suspicious activities could give security agencies an opportunity to intervene before any attack takes place.
The group, however, cautioned Muslims and members of the public against panic, stressing that increased vigilance should be accompanied by calmness and responsible reporting.
MURIC said protecting places of worship requires the collective effort of mosque authorities, worshippers, community members and security agencies, particularly amid heightened security concerns.
