The Texas-based National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the U.S.A released a statement condemning Friday’s attempted bombing of a Northwest Airline flight into Detroit.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab

On approach to Detroit International Airport, Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to ignite explosives sewn into his pants. He was discovered by other passengers and subdued, and the flight landed without further incident.
The statement, issued by the group’s General Secretary Mufutau R. Adeleke, was released from the council’s ongoing annual convention in Boston:

“On behalf of the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the United States of America and thousands of Nigerian-Americans across the country, I condemn the attempted terror attack on Christmas Day.

“The National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the United States of America condemns all acts of terrorism. Any human being who attempts or commits acts of terror, murder, or any act of cruelty in the name of a religion is not only destroying innocent lives, but is also debasing the values of the faith of that religion. Neither such behavior nor the individual involved represent Islam.

“Nigerian-American Muslims are active promoters of peace and tolerance in the community. We are currently holding our annual convention in Boston, with a major focus on training our youth in the peaceful way of Islam to become the next generation of upright Nigerian-American leaders.

“The incident that occurred on Northwest Airline Flight 253 on Friday is an attack on all Americans. The perpetrator neither represents Nigerian Muslims nor Muslims in general. We encourage a thorough investigation of the incident and full disclosure of the findings.”