Former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Fatima Kareem, has sent a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to foster unity and mutual trust among Nigerians following the tragic killing of Hausa hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
In a statement marking the Eid al-Fitr celebration, Kareem congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world on the successful completion of Ramadan. She emphasized the importance of upholding the values of faith, piety, charity, and unity learned during the holy month.
She also extended her felicitations to women globally as this year’s Eid al-Fitr coincides with Mother’s Day, describing it as a “pleasant coincidence.” Reflecting on the significance of motherhood, Kareem lauded the dedication and sacrifices of mothers in shaping families and communities.
However, she expressed deep sorrow over the recent killing of Hausa hunters in Uromi, allegedly by members of a vigilante group who suspected them to be bandits. Kareem condemned the attack, insisting that jungle justice has no place in a civilized society.
“The gruesome killing of innocent Hausa hunters in Edo State is deeply regrettable and highly condemnable. Even if they were suspected of wrongdoing, the proper course of action would have been to hand them over to law enforcement, rather than taking the law into their own hands,” she stated.
Kareem called on President Tinubu to take urgent steps to address the growing ethnic and religious divisions in the country. She warned against the manipulation of Nigerians by ethnic and political actors, urging the government to instill a sense of national unity and mutual respect among citizens.
In her closing remarks, she prayed for the souls of the victims, expressing condolences to their grieving families. She also sought divine blessings for Muslims as they continue their spiritual journey beyond Ramadan.
“May Allah accept our Ibadah during and after Ramadan, and may we witness many more of the blessed months in good health, wealth, and peace,” she added.
