The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has identified the root cause of blasphemy in Nigeria as the indulgence and permission of hate sermons by Christian clerics.

In a statement signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, the Islamic group noted that weak institutions also condone hate sermons and blasphemy in Nigeria.

He said, “It has come to our notice that the root of blasphemy and its proliferation in this country is the licentious indulgence in and permission of hate sermons by Christian clerics and leaders, respectively."

“Our weak institutions also condone both hate sermons and blasphemy." These are disasters waiting to happen unless we take urgent steps to plug the leaking holes.

He blamed hate sermons for insults against Islam and its prophets. He said, “It is our contention that there will be no blasphemy if there is no hate sermon." We, therefore, invite Christian leaders to caution pastors who are in the habit of preaching hate and deriding Islam. ”

According to him, viral video clips showing famous pastors preaching hate and toxic sermons in churches are not new in the country.

He added, "We must recognize the fact that there is suicide speech, just as there is hate speech. Anybody can love Adolf Hitler. But when someone goes to Israel, climbs a table in the midst of a Jewish crowd and shouts "I love Hitler!" It is doubtful if his family will have anything at all to bury from the bulk of his anatomy.

This comes after a Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was killed by her colleagues for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad.