Nigerian prelate urges Christians: ignore terrorist ultimatum to leave area

January 03, 2012

Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja--Nigeria’s capital--is urging the nation’s Christians to ignore an ultimatum, reportedly issued the Islamist terrorist organization Boko Haram, to leave the northern part of the nation within three days or face attack. The ultimatum was issued less than ten days after Christmas Day bomb attacks on three churches.

“As for the reported ultimatum that was issued by somebody who is claiming to be speaking on behalf of Boko Haram, most Nigerians are not taking them seriously because, in the first place, it doesn’t seem to make sense,” the prelate said.

“Where is the north and where is the south? There are Christians all over and there are Muslims all over.”

“I think I will be right to say that Boko Haram does not represent the authentic voice of the Muslims of Nigeria,” he added. The leaders of Islam in Nigeria have clearly disowned them … “I believe firmly that, whatever desire to drive a wedge between Christians and Muslims [there] may be, the fact is that the attack [on St. Teresa’s Church near Abuja] has rather brought us together since Muslims have been showing us expressions of condolences and sympathy, and they have been condemning what has happened.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Church Leader Urges Nigerians to Ignore Latest Militant Threat (Voice of America)
• Islam terror group tells Christians: Leave north Nigeria or be attacked (MSNBC)