The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has described social media as a “terrorist organisation” that must be urgently dealt with to preserve national security.
Speaking during the 17th executive committee meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday, the Sultan lamented the role of social media in spreading misinformation and inciting unrest across the country.
“What happened has happened. It can’t come and be through social media. That’s one terrorist organisation…social media,” the Sultan declared.
“What they do… somebody will sit in his comfort zone and formulate stories and you will think that it is true. So, social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.”
The royal father expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau State, where recent attacks have left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
“We are not happy with what is happening either on the Plateau or other places,” he said, calling on traditional rulers and government agencies to work together to curb the violence and ensure stability.
His comments came just a day after Amnesty International (AI) reported that the death toll from recent attacks in Plateau State had risen to 54. The human rights organisation also noted that hundreds of residents have been displaced, with many living in fear of further violence.
