The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has warned against fake news in the fight against terrorists in Nigeria.
The President of MSSNLagos, Saheed Ashafa, made this known while reacting to questions from journalists during the organisation’s ongoing virtual annual conference expected to end on Sunday.
It will be recalled that there had been reports that the Islamic human rights association, Muslim Rights Concern was accused of collecting money from a terrorist group, the Islamic State for West Africa Province.
A statement from the MSSNLagos on Friday quoted Ashafa as describing the allegation as “devilish”.
He noted that it was “an attempt to silence the Director of MURIC, Ishaq Akintola, and Muslims”.
Ashafa added, “We read with utter disappointment the fake news being circulated that ISWAP is sponsoring MURIC. Unfortunately, nothing is farther from the truth. It is a clear move by some intolerant Christians to paint MURIC and its director in a bad light.
“We must be cautious of cyber-bandits, fake news merchants, and their accomplices trying to undermine the war against terrorism. They are determined to cause disunity in the country, hence their attempt to blackmail MURIC, which has been outspoken against Christianization of the country.
“This is indeed an attempt to blackmail Muslims, which will not succeed. Islam is a religion of peace and encourages peace.
“Such news can only be shared by sponsors and others benefitting from the insecurity and will not relent in ensuring that the status quo remains or political merchants and agents of darkness working for their Godfathers in highly placed positions. Their plan is to deploy all resources at their disposal to ensure they continue to profit from the misery of others. But they hit a wrong target this time around.
“We urge security agencies to turn their searchlight to the promoters of this fake news and propaganda. They must be found and brought to book.”
