As Niger State is containing the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crime, the state government has directed mosques and churches to conduct special prayers for God’s Divine intervention in the fight against insecurity in the state.
It is against this backdrop that Muslim Ummah converged on the Minna Central Mosque for the special prayer.
This was contained in a press release signed by Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State.
Governor Sani Bello represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso enjoined the people to return to God so that the carnage will come to an end.
The governor said that the state government is collaborating with the security agencies, working round the clock to ensure that they protect lives and property even as the security challenges were surmountable.
The Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque, Ibrahim Isah Fari led a group of Ulamas in the Muslim prayer.
Similarly, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), Reverend Mathias Echioda, Senior Pastor of Occupy Ministries while praying for peace in the state and country commended the government for believing that God can salvage the country from its present predicament.
“The admission of government to say that our salvation, our deliverance, our help comes from God to me means so much, it means that God has a heart towards God and therefore a heart towards the people”, Reverend Echioda said.
He appreciated the courage of the government to call for the prayers, stating that they have always been praying for an end of the banditry activities.
“But that government has called for religious bodies to pray is highly commendable because it shows that they said God is the ultimate and that God is the answer, and we agree with God in totality”, he added.
He said that the security forces were doing a great job which only God can reward them, urging those saddled with the responsibility of taking care of them give them their dues, saying that they deserve prayers and support of all.
The CAN chairman appealed to the bandits to have a second thought, lay down their arms and dialogue with the government to make their grievances known and discuss so that they are integrated into the society.
The special prayer was equally conducted at st. Micheal’s Catholic cathedral, Minna which also featured holy Mass, intercessory prayer for Restoration of peace in the State and prayer for Nigeria in distress.
The special prayer is expected to be replicated in all the Emirates in the State.
