Ashraf Sanusi has urged Nigerians to stop religious arguments over terrorism victims.
He said extremists target everyone and unity is vital against those causing violence nationwide.
Ashraf Sanusi, son of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerians to avoid divisive arguments about the religion of terrorism victims, stressing that extremists are the common enemy of all citizens.
He made the remarks on Sunday, November 2, in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide. Trump had also threatened possible military intervention, warning that the United States might act if the killing of Christians continues.
Ashraf cautioned that while it is natural for people to grieve for members of their own faith, such emotions should not lead to hostility or religious division. He emphasized that both Muslims and Christians have suffered losses from the ongoing violence in different parts of the country.
“Let’s not allow ourselves to be drawn into endless and pointless arguments about whether it’s Muslims or Christians being killed. The truth is, everyone feels the pain of their own people. Muslims have seen Muslims killed, and Christians have seen Christians killed,” he said.
He added that anger and grief are understandable reactions, but they should not blind Nigerians to the broader reality. “Each side has a right to anger and grief, but in that grief, it’s easy to turn away from the suffering of others and point fingers. But now is the time to understand: it is not Islam vs Christianity, it is sane people vs terrorists,” he wrote.
