Pilgrims from Kwara State performing the lesser hajj (Umrah), together with Kwara students residing in Saudi Arabia, have held a special prayer session in Makkah for the peace and security of Kwara State and Nigeria.
The solemn gathering was convened in response to the escalating concerns over banditry and insecurity across Nigeria.
The prayer was led by Professor Abubakr Imam Ali-Agan of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, who guided the congregation in seeking Allah’s intervention for the nation.
Professor Ali-Agan said “the purpose of the prayer was to ask for divine support for Nigeria in overcoming its worsening security challenges, particularly the persistent cases of banditry troubling many communities.”
He called on religious leaders nationwide to organise similar special prayers in their respective worship centres, noting that “spiritual efforts remain vital in moments of national distress.”
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Calls for Repentance
The Islamic scholar urged Nigerians to return to God through repentance and good deeds, stressing that “divine mercy is essential for the country to attain lasting peace.”
Professor Ali-Agan encouraged citizens, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation, to be patriotic and to support security agencies with credible information that can help curb banditry and other crimes.
Warns Against Politicising Insecurity
Professor Ali-Agan also cautioned against the politicisation of the nation’s security challenges.
He condemned the rising attacks on mosques, churches, and schools, as well as the frequent abduction of students and other vulnerable citizens.
He called for coordinated and sustained efforts by the government and security agencies to ensure the rescue of abductees and restore peace to affected communities.