Zamfara: Muslim clerics call for national prayer to end insecurity

Prominent Muslim clerics under the umbrella of the Nigerian Muslims Forum have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a national prayer session involving religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders across the country as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

The call followed recent remarks by the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, who emphasized the importance of divine intervention alongside ongoing military operations in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The Secretary-General of the Forum, Professor AbdulKadir Umar Na’amo, said while security agencies have continued to record successes against criminal elements, Nigerians must also seek the intervention of Almighty God to achieve lasting peace and stability.

He noted that the complexity of the nation’s security situation requires a combination of both physical and spiritual measures, stressing that prayer remains a powerful instrument capable of complementing government efforts in restoring peace across the country.

Professor Na’amo commended President Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to combating insecurity, saying notable progress had been recorded in several parts of the North-West and other regions through strengthened military operations, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced support for security agencies.

“The achievements recorded in restoring relative peace in many communities, particularly in parts of the North-West, are commendable when compared to the difficult situation inherited from previous administrations,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to bring together Christian and Muslim clerics, community leaders, and traditional institutions from the six geopolitical zones in a united national prayer for God’s guidance, protection, and intervention in the fight against criminality.

Na’amo maintained that individuals involved in violence, destruction of property, and acts of terror should not be linked to any genuine religion.

He described them as enemies of humanity who exploit ethnic, religious, and political sentiments to advance criminal agendas.

He further stressed the need for continued public support for security personnel through prayers, credible intelligence sharing, and cooperation with authorities,
 
He however expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through a combination of sustained military action, effective governance, community participation, and faith.

The forum described Matawalle’s call for divine intervention as timely and encouraging, urging Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation to unite in prayers for peace, security, and national development.