The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to the federal government, humanitarian groups and wealthy individuals to assist the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

The director of the association, Ishaq Akintola, who appealed in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, also commiserated with the victims.

“We urge the federal government and the international community, particularly the UN, to mobilise relief materials for the two countries.

“MURIC is severely pained by this natural disaster. We are devastated. We stand by the people of both countries in this hour of need,” he said.

He said the association shared the agony of both countries resident in Nigeria, as proprietors of many schools and hospitals, and engaging in humanitarian activities.

“MURIC is deeply worried about the fate of their families back home in both countries at this crucial period.

“It is ironic that a foreign humanitarian group offering health and educational services to Nigerians has suffered such a gargantuan calamity. It hurts us to the marrow.

“Yet, as Muslims, we must accept the earthquake as the will of Allah. It has happened, and we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims.

“We are duty bound to mobilise empathy and kind words capable of generating succour for the victims,” he said.

The association also condoled Turkey and Syrian Ambassadors to Nigeria and their communities for the unfortunate incident.

The powerful earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.7, struck southeast Turkey in the border region with Syria early Monday morning.

(NAN)