By, Enabulele Adesuwa
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a scathing condemnation of the ruthless terrorist attacks carried out in Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria, on 21 February. The assaults left a trail of fatalities and resulted in the mass abduction of women and children from several rural communities.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, the OIC General Secretariat denounced the violence in the “strongest possible terms,” reiterating the intergovernmental body’s unwavering stance against terrorism and violent extremism in all its manifestations.
The latest wave of violence has intensified existing concerns over the precarious security situation in Zamfara. Rural villages in the state have become frequent targets for armed groups, who routinely orchestrate raids characterized by indiscriminate killings and kidnappings for ransom.
The Secretary-General of the OIC expressed profound solidarity with the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the rapid recovery of those injured during the incursions.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis following the raids, the Secretary-General made an urgent appeal for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all abducted civilians, specifically highlighting the vulnerability of the women and children currently held captive.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional stability, the OIC declared its full support for Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The Secretariat emphasised that it stands firmly behind the nation’s efforts to restore peace and safeguard the lives of its citizens against the threat of insurgency.
“The OIC remains steadfast in its commitment to condemning terrorism in every form. We support the government’s resolve to establish lasting security and peace within the region,” the statement concluded.