Religious Violence in Nigeria

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6477177.stm
HUMANISTS CONDEMN THE KILLING OF TEACHER 'OVER KORAN'

Leo Igwe

The Nigerian Humanist Movement condemns the recent attack and killing of a school teacher by Muslim students in Gombe state. The teacher was beaten to death for allegedly desecrating the Koran. Humanists are deeply worried by this killing, which was carried out less than a year after a similar accusation led to riots and deaths in Bauchi state. It can be recalled that in 1996 Muslim fanatics in Kano beheaded a Christian Igbo trader also for allegedly desecrating the Koran. It is sad and unfortunate that Muslim fundamentalists accord more value to the pages of a book than to human life.

Since 1804 Islamic jihadists have been prosecuting a holy war against non-Muslims in Northern Nigeria. The killing of this teacher represents another horrifying chapter in the continuing Islamic jihad in the country.

The Nigerian Humanist Movement calls upon the Nigerian government to investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of the school teacher, and also to investigate other cases of religiously-inspired bloodletting. We urge the Federal and state governments to live up to their responsibilities to protect the lives and rights of all citizens – whether believers or non believers - anywhere in the country, but especially of non-Muslims living and working in Islamic majority states.

Leo Igwe is Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Humanist Movement

The Nigerian Humanist Movement is an association of non-religious people who seek a rational, constructive approach to human affairs. It offers a positive alternative to all religious and dogmatic creeds. It acts to uphold and defend the human rights of humanists and of the general public. It supports via legislation any other democractic and constitutional means to improve social conditions. It supports the widest conception of education and enlightenment for the better understanding and enjoyment of human life.

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