In what could be seen as a failure on the part of the Federal Government in its fight against insecurity in the country, the Ulama forum in Nigeria has declared ‘alqunut’ which is a special prayer offered in times of turmoil during each prayer session in all mosques across the country....CONTINUE READING
The forum also stated that it is greatly concerned and saddened over the perpetual killings of innocent lives going on unabated in Nigeria, especially in the North-West of the country in recent times.
The forum stated that “In particular, our hearts bleed over the dastardly and inhuman act of burning alive of 23 passengers in Sokoto State. Other equally sad losses of lives that were witnessed in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina States over the last one week are heart touching, frustrating and, to say the least unpardonable.”
A press release from the forum made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Thursday contained that, “It is highly inconceivable how bandits and terrorists move about freely in the land, committing heinous acts and atrocities unchecked by the power of government and its security agencies.”
The forum further stated that “The terrorist shave desecrated all religious, human and universal values and indeed, they have lost their faith and humanity; they must be confronted head-on with might and power. We most strongly urge the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to sit up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens.”
“It would be recalled that in the year 2020, out of similar concern over the deteriorating trend of insecurity, the Ulama Forum had advanced nearly a dozen suggestions to the governments at all levels so as to curb the Boko Haram menace, banditry and other security challenges facing the Northern region,” it added.
According to the Forum, “It is sad to note that most of our suggestions were ignored and security situation in the country has been moving from bad to worse.”
“Based on the foregoing, we would like to once more urge the FGN to re-assess its security strategies and spending with a view to unfolding a more holistic and all-inclusive approach. We believe that divine intervention is a most potent weapon against the bandits, insurgents and their collaborators,” it stressed.
The forum then stated that “To this end, members of the Forum have resolved to devote themselves to ‘alqunut’ (special prayer in times of turmoil) during each prayer session.
Similarly, special prayers should be observed in Madaaris (Islamiyyah schools) and other places of gathering.”
The release further contained that, “We pray to Allah to give our leaders the listening ears to hear the cries of its weak, terrorised and terrified citizens, particularly in the North. May they have the wisdom, will, determination and ability to do the needful and ensure peace and security in the land. There is no power or strength save in Allah. May Allah help us in this regard.”
The statement was endorsed by 30 members of the forum and other scholars across the country signed by the Kano state secretary of the Forum, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu.
