Nigerian prelate urges Christians: ignore terrorist ultimatum to leave area

(January 03, 2012) A senior Nigerian Catholic church leader is urging his fellow Christians to ignore an ultimatum, reportedly issued by the Islamist terrorist organization Boko Haram, to leave the northern part of the nation within three days or face attack. The ultimatum was issued less than ten days after Christmas Day bomb attacks on three churches, which Pope Benedict XVI has also condemned. “As for the reported ultimatum that was issued by somebody who is claiming to be speaking on behalf of Boko Haram, most Nigerians are not taking them seriously because, in the first place, it doesn’t seem to make sense,” said Archbishop John Onaiyekan of the Nigerian capital Abuja. “Where is the north and where is the south? There are Christians all over and there are Muslims all over,” he said. Archbihsop Onaiyekan pointed out that Boko Haram does not represent the authentic voice of the Muslims of Nigeria as Nigerian Islamic leaders have clearly disowned them. Contrary to what the terrorist group had intended, the attacks on churches have brought Christians and Muslims together with sentiments of condolences and sympathy.