By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

Nigeria’s secret police Monday questioned a prominent Christian cleric over a viral sermon in which he called for the killing of every Fulani herdsman seen around his church in bid to avenge killings of Christians in the northwestern Kaduna state.

Firebrand Apostle Johnson Suleiman was questioned in the capital city Abuja for some hours after the footage went viral last week and later released.

“I didn't mean to incite religious disturbance. My comments had no political undertones,” Suleiman told reporters in Abuja shortly before he reported to the secret police at their invitation.

He was accompanied by dozens of his supporters, although operatives cordoned off the road to the office of the secret police to prevent protests. Hundreds also gathered at the National Christian Center Abuja in solidarity with the pastor, who had earlier claimed a secret police attempt to detain him.

Authorities say Suleiman’s comments amounted to incitement to ethnic killing and needed to be reined in.

“He is still being questioned. Whether or not he will be charged will be determined after we have finished with him,” said a secret police official who asked not to be named, due to restrictions on speaking to the media. He also did not know if Suleiman would be detained.

In the controversial footage, Suleiman said he had instructed his security operatives to kill any Fulani herdsmen seen around his church and accused authorities of standing aloof as Christians get killed in southern Kaduna.

Southern Kaduna has witnessed internecine violence between herdsmen and local farmers. Officials put the death toll in the fighting at 204, while the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) pegged it at over 808. The group claims most of the victims were Christians targeted for their creed, claims officials have denied.

The cleric’s outbursts have divided the country, known for its volatile ethno-religious configurations. While many have questioned the need to tame the cleric, many others say his comments could incite ethnic cleansing.