Muslim Rights Concern, a non-governmental organisation, has warned against attack on non-indigenes in any part of the country.
The group, according to a statement by its president, Professor Ishaq Akintola, gave the warning following the growing tension in some parts of the country, particularly, Jos, where there is a rumour of reprisal attacks on Thursday.
The group said attacking non-indigenes would only amount to falling into the traps set by those who never wanted Nigerians to live in peace.
According to MURIC, rather than fight non-indigenes, a shield should be formed round them.
The group called on religious and traditional leaders to play vital roles in ensuring peace and unity of the country.
The statement reads in part: “We condemn all acts of violence against fellow Nigerians. It is unhealthy. It is barbaric.
“We strongly suspect that some unpatriotic elements are bent on destroying the good work of the Buhari administration.
“Having discovered that their sophisticated plot to eliminate the president failed woefully, they have decided to create tension and escalate violence to a level where there is chaos everywhere.
“Their Mephistophelean desire is to necessitate a forceful change of government. We must not fall into their trap. Let us stoop to conquer.
“MURIC therefore appeals for calm everywhere. We appeal to Nigerians particularly Northerners to refrain from retaliatory attacks on non-indigenes in their midst. We must not play into the hands of rebellious subjects and enemies of peace.
“Instead of attacking non-indigenes among us, let us form a ring around them. Let us assure them of full protection by our communities. Let us also create a solid police-community relationship for special protection for non-indigenes in all states.
“Traditional rulers are implored to follow the example of the Sultan of Sokoto who boldly told Northerners to attack him first before attacking Igbos.”
