Nigeria’s
secret police Monday questioned a prominent Christian cleric over a
viral sermon in which he called for the killing of every Fulani
herdsman seen around his church in bid to avenge killings of
Christians in the northwestern Kaduna state.
“I
didn't mean to incite religious disturbance. My comments had no
political undertones,” Suleiman told reporters in Abuja shortly
before he reported to the secret police at their invitation.
He
was accompanied by dozens of his supporters, although operatives
cordoned off the road to the office of the secret police to prevent
protests. Hundreds also gathered at the National Christian Center
Abuja in solidarity with the pastor, who had earlier claimed a secret
police attempt to detain him.
Authorities
say Suleiman’s comments amounted to incitement to ethnic killing
and needed to be reined in.
“He
is still being questioned. Whether or not he will be charged will be
determined after we have finished with him,” said a secret police
official who asked not to be named, due to restrictions on speaking
to the media. He also did not know if Suleiman would be detained.
In
the controversial footage, Suleiman said he had instructed his
security operatives to kill any Fulani herdsmen seen around his
church and accused authorities of standing aloof as Christians get
killed in southern Kaduna.
Southern
Kaduna has witnessed internecine violence between herdsmen and local
farmers. Officials put the death toll in the fighting at 204, while
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) pegged it at over 808. The
group claims most of the victims were Christians targeted for their
creed, claims officials have denied.
The
cleric’s outbursts have divided the country, known for its volatile
ethno-religious configurations. While many have questioned the need
to tame the cleric, many others say his comments could incite ethnic
cleansing.
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