The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has strongly condemned the renewed wave of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks ravaging several parts of the country, describing the situation as a “senseless carnage” that threatens the very fabric of the nation.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, mni, the Council expressed deep anguish over what it called the frightening deterioration of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The Council specifically condemned the horrific attack on Woro village in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where over 200 innocent people, including women and children, were reportedly killed by terrorists. Homes were razed and entire families wiped out in what the Council described as a barbaric act that defies humanity, morality, and religion.
According to the statement, the Woro massacre, alongside recent deadly incidents in Kwara, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, and other parts of the country, underscores a growing disregard for the sanctity of human life.
Reiterating Islam’s firm position on the inviolability of life, the Council cited verses from the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), stressing that the killing of innocent persons is among the gravest crimes in Islam and has no justification whatsoever.
“The continuous attacks on innocent citizens, Muslims and Christians alike, through banditry, terrorism, communal violence, or other criminal acts, reflect a disturbing failure of governance and security architecture,” the Council said, adding that Nigerians should not be forced to live in perpetual fear within their own communities.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel, the Council urged public office holders to abandon lifestyles marked by excess and refocus on their core responsibility of protecting lives and property. It emphasized that leadership is a trust, not a privilege for indulgence, and warned that where officials fail in this duty, accountability — including sanctions, removal from office, or honourable resignation — becomes inevitable.
The Council also categorically condemned radicalism and violent extremism, describing them as betrayals of Islam and gross distortions of its teachings, stressing that terrorism, kidnapping, and mass murder have no place in the religion.
The SCSN extended condolences to the families and communities affected by the Woro massacre and other violent attacks nationwide. It prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, healing for the injured, and strength for the bereaved. The Council also welcomed the release of kidnapped victims from Kurmin Wali, while calling on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue all remaining captives and dismantle criminal networks across the country.
The statement concluded with a strong call on all levels of government, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to act urgently and collectively to halt Nigeria’s descent into chaos, stressing that protecting human life is a sacred obligation, not an option.
