OIC SEC-GEN CALLS FOR CALM IN NIGERIA

DUBAI, July 29 (Bernama) -- Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary-general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has called for calm and restraint in the wake of violence in several states in northern Nigeria.

He condemned the torching of police headquarters, places of worship
and other government buildings during the incidents.

Members of an Islamist sect were said to be behind the attacks in
which 140 people were reportedly killed in several days of violence.

In a statement, Ihsanoglu expressed confidence that the Nigerian government
would take all necessary measures to bring the violence to an end, investigate
the immediate and remote causes of the incidents, and bring the perpetrators to
justice.

He voiced his total rejection of violence in the name of any religion,
including Islam, which preaches peaceful coexistence, compassion and tolerance.

The secretary-general further called on the traditional rulers and
community leaders in Nigeria to join hands to encourage dialogue, tolerance,
peaceful coexistence and rule of law as means of resolving disputes.

-- BERNAMA