I commend the swift response of President Mohammadu Buhari - Orji Uzor Kalu

I condemn totally the gruesome and barbaric killing of Mrs. Bridget Agbahime, an Igbo woman, who was murdered publicly in Kano a few days ago on some alleged religious blasphemy. I wish to convey my deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

I commend the swift response of President Mohammadu Buhari in condemning this act of criminality and his pledge that justice will be done. I also commend the Kano State Government for the prompt action it took in convening an emergency meeting with the stakeholders, and the efforts of the security operatives which have so far resulted in the reported arrest of the prime suspect in this heinous crime.

Nobody has a right to take the life of another under whatever guise unless sanctioned by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Kano killing is totally unacceptable to any decent human being, and is against the laws of Nigeria. The Holy books of all religions abhor and forbid taking of innocent lives, therefore no one or group of people should be allowed to violate the laws of Nigeria under religious pretense. This regrettable incident has the capacity to further heighten tension in the country, deepen the ever widening national fault lines and send a very wrong message to an already disenchanted population.

I hereby call on the authorities to spare no effort in seeing that justice is done by fishing out the perpetrators of this crime and bringing them to book as soon as possible. Because religion was wrongly evoked by those that committed this crime, I also call on the Islamic leaders everywhere in Nigeria and particularly in Kano, to rise and publicly condemn this barbaric act and distance such criminality from Islam which forbids the taking of innocent lives. At a time like this,national leaders should take the high moral ground and ensure that acts this are roundly condemned and eradicated. It is by so doing that we will ensure the essence of human sanctity!