State urges citizens and clerics to intensify prayers for the safe return of the Maga students.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Kebbi State has called on citizens across all faiths to intensify prayers for the safe return of students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu, made the appeal on Friday at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, stressing that the challenge confronting the state requires deep spiritual intervention alongside ongoing security operations.

“There are moments when human efforts alone are not enough. It is only Allah who can rescue us from these predicaments and restore peace and comfort,” he said.

Aliyu urged Islamic scholars, Ulama and Imams to observe continuous Qunūt during and after the five daily prayers, especially in the late hours of the night. He also called on Christian pastors and clergy to dedicate moments during sermons and worship services to pray for peace in Kebbi and across Nigeria.

The Commissioner appealed to residents to remain vigilant, avoid associating with criminal elements, and provide useful information to security agencies, reminding them of their duty to be their “brothers’ keepers.”

He extended the government’s sympathies to the families of the abducted schoolgirls, the Zuru Emirate, and the school community. He also conveyed Governor Nasir Idris’s appreciation to individuals and organisations who visited the state to show solidarity, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, NLC leadership under Joe Ajaero, and Minister of State for Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle.

Governor Idris later joined Friday prayers in Argungu, where special supplications were offered during the commissioning of the renovated Jumu’at Mosque for the safe release of the abducted students and lasting peace across the state.

In Maga community, the District Head, Muhammad Sanid Dantani, announced a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the schoolgirls.

Source: The Punch