This was contained in a statement issued to the press in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by the Secretary General of JNI, Dr Khalid Abubakar.
The statement reads in part, “JNI was perturbed over the discovery of a shallow grave where it was reportedly said late Major General I. M. Alkali’s body was exhumed! The army’s search team discovered the grave while on the hunt for the missing General.
“It said that late Alkali was killed and buried in the shallow grave at a place called “No man’s land” in Lafande community of Jos south, Plateau State.
“Therefore, in line with the information given by the Nigerian Army, we call on the government not to be deterred for the search of the dead body.”
The statement maintained that in the first place, isn’t there sinister motive(s) in exhuming the body, from the said shallow grave? When was it done and why? Is it to destroy all traces of the Berom militia youth atrocities in Lafande community?
“Manifestly, the General can now be declared dead. We thus call on the Nigerian Army to recover the General’s dead body wherever it is, in order for the family to give him a befitting Janaza (Muslim funeral).
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“However, if from all indications it becomes a herculean task for the Nigerian Army, then in line with the Islamic rites, the Muslim Ummah along with family members could conduct Swalatul Ghaa-ib (Muslim funerals in absentia) for the deceased General.
“Indeed, there is more than meets the eyes. We are very much concerned and are following up, because this was how the case of a land dealer, late Alhaji Lawal Isa of Tilden Fulani and his friend Dantaniwere swept under the carpet by the authorities concerned, when it was glaring that he was murdered in cold blood by the Berom militias at Rayfield in 2005.
“His car was said to be among those discovered at the Dura Du mystifying blood pond. We nevertheless, extend our condolences to the nonagenarian mother of the late General, his immediate family as well as the extended family, people and government of Yobe State over the unfortunate circumstances that led to the death of the General.
“Whoever has hand in his death, may Allah, the MostHigh chastise him or her and may they never have contentment till eternity. Aameen.
“We reiterate our calls that peace cannot be restored to any community, when its people are not ready for peaceful co-existence.”
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