By AMINU DALHATU
The Zamfara State Council of Ulamas has called on the Federal Government to strengthen oversight of the arrest and detention of suspects to ensure that their fundamental human rights are protected.
Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Umar Kanoma, made the call while briefing journalists in Gusau at the end of the Council’s 19th meeting.
He said the Council fully supports the government’s efforts to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
Sheikh Kanoma expressed the Council’s sympathy and condolences to the families of those who died in custody, prayed Allah to forgive the deceased and grant them Jannatul Firdaus.
The Ulamas Council also urged relevant authorities to ensure that proper procedures are followed during the arrest, detention and treatment of suspects, in line with the protection of human rights.
He said the meeting reviewed and adopted the report of its previous sitting before deliberating on new issues.
Sheikh Kanoma said they received a report from a committee earlier constituted to prepare for the inauguration of the Fatawa programme, which had been discussed at previous meetings.
He further revealed that, another eleven-member committee had been setup to finalise arrangements for the forthcoming launch of its programme to be by professor AA Masama.
According to Sheikh Kanoma, representatives of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children recently visited the Forum to discuss issues concerning the Almajiri system of education.
On Arabic education, Sheikh Kanoma said the body had received several complaints concerning some long-established Arabic schools in the state, including JIGAS in Gusau and the Arabic and Islamic Studies College in Zurmi.
He said some of the institutions had reportedly been renamed or relocated by the government, prompting concerns from members of the public.
The Chairman said the Council would engage the State Commissioner for Education to obtain clarification and discuss the concerns raised by parents and other stakeholders.
Sheikh Kanoma recalled that the Forum had earlier appealed to the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to establish more Arabic boarding schools to provide opportunities for students to learn Arabic and Islamic studies.
He said discussions on the matter were ongoing, particularly on the establishment of boarding schools for Arabic studies in major towns across the State.
The Forum also extended its condolences to the family of the late Malam Bala Kaura, praying Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
The Chairman finally called on Imams and Islamic scholars across the state to intensify prayers, including Qunut, for lasting peace and an end to insecurity in Zamfara State.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
