By Our Correspondent
Niger State Governor, Umar Usman Bago, has directed security agencies and residents to report any mosque or Islamic cleric found promoting extremism, terrorism, hate speech, or religious division, warning that offenders will face arrest while affected mosques will be shut down.
According to the governor, any imam found preaching extremist or terrorist ideologies should be reported to the authorities for immediate action. He also said mosques where such teachings are propagated would be closed.
Governor Bago further warned against sermons that incite hatred, violence, or division among Muslims or target adherents of other religions and ideologies, stressing that places of worship should serve as centres for peace and unity rather than conflict.
He also specifically cautioned against any mosque or imam preaching in the style of, or providing a platform for, members of the Lakurawa group, stating that such activities would attract sanctions, including the arrest of the cleric and closure of the mosque.
The governor said addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires tackling the ideological roots of violent extremism by confronting those who propagate radical teachings.
His remarks have generated widespread reactions on social media and across the country’s media space, with supporters describing the directive as a bold step against violent extremism, while others have raised concerns about its implementation and implications for religious freedom.
